Dyshidrosis of hands and feet: treatments

 What is dyshidrosis?

Dyshidrosis of the hands and feet is a form of eczema and therefore a skin disease.

It causes intensely itchy blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Some also have them on the tips or sides of the fingers.

Its real cause is not known.

It is more common in people who have another form of eczema. It is also found in families where several members have eczema.

Why do you have dyshidrosis?

Dyshidrosis is a common form of eczema also called pompholyx.

If you are a woman, you may suffer from foot and hand eczema more frequently than men.

Dyshidrosis is more common in young adults, usually between the ages of 20 and 40. You can have a single flare-up of eczema, but it's more common for it to last for long periods of time.

Metals, especially nickel, are a common trigger.

Stress, anxiety, or worry can also cause a flare-up or make it worse.

The condition is also linked to seasonal allergies like hay fever. During the summer season, sweating can trigger a rash.

Cases of hand eczema are numerous in certain professions. This is the case in hairdressing or health care which involves frequent hand washing.

Causes of dyshidrosis

        The most common risk factor is excessive sweating. Indeed, this excessive sweating, especially during the summer season, promotes and amplifies the symptoms of dyshidrosis.

There are solutions to limit excess sweating, including iontophoresis.

It is a safe and effective treatment that uses electricity to reduce the activity of the glands responsible for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). The person dips their feet and then their hands into the water and a light electric current is sent to them. This acts by blocking the activity of the sweat glands.

Allergies that promote dyshidrosis

         Similarly, allergies are a common trigger. They contribute to the development of bullous eczema, especially allergies to metals such as nickel.

Also when in doubt, avoid wearing costume jewelry made with metal alloys.

The condition is also linked to seasonal allergies like hay fever.

Certain professions affected more exposed

          Cases of hand eczema are numerous in certain professions. This is the case of hairdressers who may be in regular contact with irritating products.

Or health professions that involve frequent hand washing.

What are the symptoms of dyshidrosis?

Dyshidrosis flare-ups usually begin with an eruption of small, deep, painful blisters.

Often, intense itching and burning sensations announce flare-ups.

As the blisters heal, the skin dries out, reddens and then peels. It then becomes sensitive and sometimes creates painful cracks or crevices. The skin can even become infected.

How is dyshidrosis treated?

You need to get to know the triggers and maintain a regular skin care routine. It can help prevent and manage dyshidrotic eczema flare-ups.

Among the useful measures:

• Wash damaged skin with a mild cleanser and gently pat dry.
• Apply a thick nourishing and hydrating cream containing ingredients like ceramides. Nourishing the skin will help repair the skin barrier.
• Remove rings and other jewelry when you wash your hands so water doesn't linger on your skin.
• Wash and then moisturize your hands or feet immediately after coming into contact with a potential trigger.
• Use stress management techniques.
• Keep fingernails short to avoid scratching and damaging the skin.

Treatments for dyshidrosis

Dermatologists may prescribe a short course of topical corticosteroid cream.

In addition to applying this cortisone cream, you must intensely moisturize your skin to reduce its effects. Use aloe vera ointments or vitamin E healing creams.

At the same time, you will soak or apply cool compresses to the affected areas. Do this several times a day to help dry up the blisters.

As this form of eczema is sometimes linked to a fungal infection of the hands or feet, your dermatologist may prescribe antifungal medication if necessary.

Eczema areas on the palms and soles of the feet are also at risk for bacterial skin infections. As a result, it can delay or prevent healing.

If you have swelling, scabs, pain, or pus-filled blisters, see your dermatologist. The goal is to check for the presence of a bacterial infection, which would require anti-inflammatory or antibiotic treatment.

Sometimes the eczema is severe and flare-ups are frequent. In this case, the dermatologist can prescribe light therapy sessions.

Your doctor may also give you topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI). These are drugs that suppress or inhibit certain immunological reactions. They are effective in case of eczema.

The localized increase in perspiration is an aggravating factor for hand eczema. Occasionally, botulinum toxin injections are used to control sweaty hands and feet that can trigger the condition.

This skin disease affects your life

       Although this type of eczema only affects a few areas of the body, it can have a very big impact on your life in general.

Indeed, unlike some forms of eczema, it is visible to everyone. Because you can't cover it with clothes.

You are therefore subject to the gaze of others in each of your social relationships. You may not want or be able to shake hands, for example.

In addition, this type of eczema is extremely disabling, especially when the flare-ups are severe and repeated. Damaged and painful hands cause pain. Using your hands then becomes daily torture. It is the same when the soles of the feet are inflamed or raw.

It is very common for emotional stress to cause or worsen this type of eczema.

For example, it may happen that a person in the middle of a verbal presentation in public, suddenly develops blisters on the fingertips.