Eczema is a general term that includes many conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. It is more common in children and infants, where about 10 to 20 percent have some form of eczema. The symptoms of eczema vary, but they generally appear as dry, red and extremely itchy patches of skin. Small blisters may also form. Eczema can occur on any part of the body, including the foot. It can occur in anyone -- children or adults -- and is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone. There is no known cause for eczema, but it often affects people with a family history of allergies and is very manageable.
Dyshidrotic (dis-hi-drah- tic) eczema (DE) is a type of eczema in which the skin cannot protect itself, resulting in itchy, dry skin. People with DE can develop small, deep blisters, usually on their hands and feet. The blisters are very itchy and painful and will go away in two or three weeks, leaving the skin red, dry, cracked and scaly. The exact cause of DE is not known, and there is no cure, so people can have episodes that come and go known as flares. For many people, the DE flares when they are under a lot of stress, temperatures rise (such as in the hot summer), or if their hands or feet stay wet for long periods of time. Exposure to metal salts, such as cobalt, chromium, and nickel can also lead to a flare. DE flares can be mild or very bad. A severe flare on the feet can make walking very difficult and painful.
Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema
Fluid filled blisters form on your fingers, toes, hands, or feet, especially on the edges. They can be painful, very itchy and may come together to form into larger blisters. The blisters may last up to three weeks before they begin to dry. As they dry up, they'll turn into cracks in the skin and become dry and scaly and painful. If you scratch the area, it may become thicker or feel spongy.
Diagnosis of dyshidrotic eczema
In many cases, your doctor will be able to diagnose dyshidrotic eczema from the symptoms and by examining your skin. They may choose to run more tests, like a skin biopsy, or test to look for a fungal infection or allergies.
Dyshidrotic eczema treatment
The treatment is based on the severity of the flare and the symptoms. To avoid making your pain and itching worse, do not scratch or break your blisters. Although it's important to wash your hands regularly, you may want to avoid extensive contact with water, such as frequent handwashing. You should also avoid using products that can irritate your skin, such as perfumed lotions and dishwashing soap.
Medications that may be helpful
Corticosteroid cream or ointment may be applied directly to the skin for mild outbreaks or, for more severe outbreaks, you may be prescribed a corticosteroid injection or pill that will help to reduce inflammation and clear the blisters.
Other medical treatments that can be used are UV (ultra violet) light treatments, draining large blisters, antihistamines, various anti-itch creams, or immune-suppressing ointments. If your skin becomes infected, you may also be treated with an antibiotic or antifungal medication. These are important to reduce scratching, because scratching will make DE worse. Medicine to treat an infection may be needed. Sometimes the DE site may get infected by bacteria or fungus and will need to be treated based on the type of infection.
Things you can do to help with DE flares
Wet, cold compresses or short soaks can help reduce the discomfort from dry, itchy skin. Soaks or cool compresses can be done or applied two to four times a day. Apply for 15 minutes at a time and apply a medicated cream or ointment such as corticosteroid afterwards. A moisturizer may also help with the dryness and therefore reduce some itching as well. Using moisturizers such as petroleum jelly, Vaseline, heavy creams such as Lubriderm or Eucerin, mineral oil, or soaking with witch hazel may also be helpful for a short time.
Changing your diet can also help to delay and treat flare-ups. Since it is believed that a nickel or cobalt allergy can cause eczema, removing foods that contain these may help. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed junk food is recommended. Supplementing with vitamin A has also helped. But check with your doctor before starting this.
What can be expectedin the long-term
Most times dyshidrotic eczema will usually disappear in a few weeks without any complications, especially if you don't scratch the skin. It may not leave any noticeable marks or scars. If you do scratch the area, you may experience more discomfort, some scaring or your flare may take longer to heal.
Although your outbreak of dyshidrotic eczema may heal completely, it can also reoccur. Because the cause of dyshidrotic eczema isn't known, doctors have found effective ways to prevent, or cure the condition. The best advice is to protect and help strengthen your skin by applying moisturizers daily, avoiding triggers such as perfumed soaps or harsh cleansers, and staying cool and hydrated.
o For more information email foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.apma.org. To see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street, telephone 325-2996, or Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre, Albury Lane, telephone 394-5820, or Lucayan Medical Centre on East Sunrise Highway, Freeport, Grand Bahama, telephone 373-7400.
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