Dyshidrotic Hand Eczema Can Be Pretty Nasty

Dyshidrotic hand eczema can be a very distressing skin disease to have. The main reason that this can be a confusing disease to have is the lack of information out there. At the moment there is no clear idea of what exactly causes dyshidrotic hand eczema, making it a difficult to treat skin disorder.

Although there is no definite cause there are a number of factors that are believed to cause this skin disease. Typically it manifests in adults in the age range of about 20 to 40 years old. Though it is not unheard of for teenagers and older adults to suffer from this skin disease.

Unlike normal eczema that usually results in dry, scaly, or crusty skin dyshidrotic hand eczema results in bubble like eruptions on the hands. This kind of eczema is often described as chronic hand eczema, though it can also be acute or recurring. Unfortunately dyshidrotic hand eczema can be hard to treat and this can be very frustrating.

Typically patients suffering from dyshidrotic hand eczema will experience itching, or burning for a few hours before an attack of dyshidrotic hand eczema. Some of the factors that have been singled out as triggers include stress, allergic contact dermatitis, and exposure to metal salts. Women also appear to be more susceptible to dyshidrotic hand eczema.

Topical steroid creams are used to treat conventional eczema and is also used in treating this type of eczema. However it is worth noting that continual use of steroid creams can be dangerous as it results in the skin on the hands thinning. Avoiding nickel in your diet, and contact with inks from newspapers, magazines, and so on is something else to take on board.

Moisturizing the skin is important as people suffering from dyshidrotic hand eczema often experience very painful peeling and cracking of the skin. When washing your hands avoid using hot water as this can aggravate the condition of your skin. Instead use cool water and apply a thin layer of moisturizer afterwards.

Stay away from water based moisturizers such as creams and lotions. Use ointments instead, remember to use only a thin layer as too much can clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing. Soaking the palms in a salt solution is also helpful when trying to treat dyshidrotic hand eczema. If stress is a suspected trigger then counseling or therapy of some kind is necessary to try and overcome this skin disease.