Eczema.com

It goes by other names like Dyshidrosis, Pompholyx, Acute vesiculobullous, and Dyshidrotic Dermatitis. You’ll probably be able to identify it if I say “hand eczema.” Besides, that’s easier to spell.

Symptoms

Like the name suggests (the easy name, that is—“hand eczema”) this type of eczema affects only the hands or feet. It is characterized by an outbreak of small blisters, which can develop into lesions, and may harden, ooze, and become crusty or scaly. Often, hand eczema is a recurring condition that comes and goes at random times. It is easy to identify due to the unsightly proliferation of the eczema all over the fingers—usually on the tips or the sides. The blisters are usually accompanied by itching, pain, with increasing irritation if they are washed with soap or come in contact with water.

Causes

It’s hard to tell what causes hand eczema. Many times, there is a direct link between high stress levels and hand eczema. Others conjecture that excessive sun exposure, chlorinated water sources, nickel-containing substances, latex gloves, or the ingestion or contact with allergens may cause the condition. Those who experience hand eczema often experience other forms of eczema, including atopic eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.

Treatment

Besides avoiding the eczema-causing conditions (which could be just about anything), the most common form of treatment is the application of topical steroid medications. Unfortunately, these can result in weakening of the skin over extended use. Other topical cleansing treatments may attempt to dry out the area in order to eliminate the damaged vesicles. Other forms of treatment attempt to do the opposite—moisturize and protect the affected areas.

Complications

With the onset of hand eczema sometimes comes the occurrence of fungal infections, especially tinea pedis (or athlete’s foot). Exercising careful hygiene and protection of the infected area will prevent the onset of fungal complications.