Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin condition in which blisters develop on the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands and fingers. It can be uncomfortable and may affect your quality of life, making it difficult to walk, use your hands, work, or sleep. Scratching can worsen the condition and lead to an infection. To prevent and manage dyshidrotic eczema flares, you can take the following steps:
Prevention:
- Keep a journal of possible triggers and avoid them if possible.
- Speak with a doctor about dietary changes.
- Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
- Wear protective gloves, for instance, when using detergents.
- Use footwear made with natural products, such as white cotton socks without dye.
- Use a strong moisturizer and emollient soap.
- Manage stress through meditation, deep breathing, and so on.
- Work with a doctor or dermatologist on a plan to manage your condition.
Management:
- Wash the affected skin with a mild cleanser and gently pat dry.
- Apply a heavy cream with ingredients like ceramides to help repair the skin barrier.
- Remove rings and other jewelry when you wash your hands so water doesn’t linger on your skin.
- Wash then moisturize hands or feet immediately after coming into contact with a potential trigger.
- If you develop swelling, crusting, pain, or pus-filled blisters, visit your dermatologist to check for bacterial infection, which requires treatment with oral antibiotics.
- When dyshidrotic eczema is severe or flares happen often, dermatologists may prescribe light therapy, topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), or oral steroids.
- Botulinum toxin injections are occasionally used to control the sweaty hands and feet that can trigger the condition.
Some ingredients in personal care products can trigger dyshidrotic eczema flares, so its important to avoid them. These include:
- Fragrances, including balsam of Peru and cinnamic aldehyde.
- Urea and retinoids found in many anti-aging creams and sloughing products.
- Propylene glycol, a humectant.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine, a foaming agent.
- Ethanol/alcohol, drying to already dry skin.
- Paraphenylenediamine and other active ingred...
