Dyshydrotic Eczema

What is Dyshydrotic Eczema?

Dyshydrotic eczema is a skin condition that affects the feet and hands. This condition causes small blisters to form. It can be sudden and only happen once or it can be recurrent.  This condition can also be called pompholyx, acute vesiculobullous hand eczema, or dyshidrotic dermatitis.

There are many reasons that can trigger this condition. They can be stress, allergies, excessive sweating, or even the changing of the seasons, being sensitive to juices from meats and fruits, excessive sunlight, or even having a reaction to a bandage. There are so many more reasons that can trigger an attack; unfortunately, the actual cause of having dyshydrotic eczema eludes doctors.

The condition can be very painful, especially if the blisters have a tendency of popping. The skin can become dry and cracked. The area may itch when the skin becomes dry. The lymph nodes may become swollen because of the infection. All of these things can be very painful. It can take weeks for the condition to finally heal. Unfortunately, the chances of it recurring are extremely high.

What can you do to help relieve the symptoms?

• Try to avoid allergens that can cause a breakout.


• Try to avoid stress as much as possible.


• Keep the skin clean.


• Use products that don’t contain fragrances, dyes or harsh chemicals.


• Keep the area moisturized. This will help keep the skin from cracking.


• Do not scratch. Keep your nails clean and short.


• Take lukewarm baths or showers. Hot water removes moisture from the skin.


• Although it may be painful, you can soak the affected area in white vinegar. Vinegar has healing properties.


• To help relieve itching and to help add moisture to the area, use a skin cream that contains cortisone.


• Try to figure out what you may be sensitive too and avoid these things as much as possible.


• Use gloves while working with chemicals for cleaning. If you are allergic to latex, there are nitrile versions available.


• Avoid prolonged sunlight, especially when a breakout is occurring.


• Create what is called oat milk by soaking regular oats in water. The “milk” that is produced will help control the itching.


• If you are allergic to the adhesive of bandages, use gauze bandages whenever possible.

Although there is no cure for dyshydrotic eczema, you can find some relief from the symptoms of the condition. Learning to deal with this condition is the best way you can make life with this painful condition a little more tolerable.