If you have dyshidrotic eczema, it can be difficult to find relief. But there are things that you can do to get the successful treatment and relief you need.
Here, we will explore dyshidrotic eczema treatments so that you know what is available for your condition.
Effective treatments for dyshidrotic eczema
The best dyshidrotic eczema treatments are those that reduce inflammation and itching and help clear up the blisters. Here are some of the treatment options:
- Creams and Ointments: Creams and ointments are the most common treatments for dyshidrotic eczema. They contain a corticosteroid, which helps to reduce inflammation and itching. Corticosteroid is also available as a spray, which is suitable for the face.
It is important that the cream or ointment does not linger on broken the skin for more than a couple of hours because then it may cause an infection instead of relieving symptoms. It should also be applied thinly.
To use cream or ointment, apply to the affected area and massage gently. If you are not sure which cream or ointment is best for your condition, speak with a dermatologist who will advise on the availability of medicines that may help with other co-existing conditions such as psoriasis and other types of eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections that occur with dyshidrotic eczema.
- Topical steroids: Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in the skin, but they can cause side effects such as thinning of the skin and stretch marks.
- Moisturizers: Moisturizers are used to prevent dryness and cracking of the skin. They also help keep your skin soft and flexible. Your doctor may recommend using a moisturizer that contains urea or lactic acid, or one that contains dimethicone (which is used in some sunscreens). You should avoid moisturizers that contain glycols, propylene glycol, or parabens because these ingredients can be irritating to the skin.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines may be helpful if your symptoms are caused by allergies or sensitivity to temperature changes (allergic contact dermatitis). Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, which causes itching and swelling; however, they do not cure the condition itself and can have side effects such as drowsiness or dry mouth.
- Emollients: Emollients are creams or ointments that soften and smooth the skin. They can be used to prevent and treat dryness, cracking, flaking, and itching associated with dyshidrotic eczema.
- Triclosan cream: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that helps reduce bacterial infections in areas where there is sweating (such as between fingers). This medication may also help stop blisters from forming on your hands or feet when they’re exposed to water.
How dyshidrotic eczema affects you?
Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin condition that causes small, fluid-filled blisters to form on the hands and feet. Dyshidrosis may have an effect on your life in many ways--some of which are more severe than others.
- Trouble sleeping: Dyshidrotic eczema can cause you to have trouble sleeping. It's not surprising since the itch can be intense and often comes at night.
- Uncomfortable skin: Having this kind of skin condition is really uncomfortable on the skin. It's also quite itchy and can cause a burning sensation on the skin.
- This is going on beneath your clothes, which are rubbing against eczema. The itchiness makes people want to scratch their eczema, but that only worsens it in the long term.
- Hard to move: The itchiness can also make it hard to move. Dyshidrotic eczema sufferers often do a lot of scratching during the day, which causes their hands to really hurt, making them feel clumsy.
- Emotional stress and anxiety: The itchiness can cause a lot of stressful situations and anxiety for people, which then causes them to have trouble sleeping. Sufferers may also feel humiliated about their condition when it's visible in public because the blisters make hands look like they're covered in dirt.
Do home remedies for dyshidrotic eczema work?
Home remedies for dyshidrotic eczema are basically medications that can be prepared at home and used as a treatment for this condition. They work by helping in relieving the symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema such as itching, burning sensation and dryness of the skin. The main benefit of using these home remedies is that they do not have any side effects and are easy to use.
Some of the common dyshidrotic eczema treatments that can be done at home are:
- Aloe Vera gel - Aloe vera gel is a topical treatment that can be used to treat eczema and psoriasis. It contains several substances that have anti-inflammatory properties, including salicylic acid and lignin. Aloe vera gel also has anti-microbial properties, which may be useful for treating bacterial infections in the skin.
- Baking soda paste - Baking soda is a powerful antibacterial. It can help reduce the symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema by killing off bacteria and fungi on the skin. To use it, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water until you have a thick paste. Apply this to your hands and feet and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Do this twice a day for the best results.
- Soak in Epsom salt baths - Epsom salt baths are another popular home remedy for eczema that works well with dyshidrotic eczema too. They are particularly effective at helping soothe itching and reduce inflammation associated with the condition. To have an Epsom salt bath, add two cups of Epsom salts to your bath water along with some essential oils such as lavender or tea tree oil if you want to improve the scent of your bath water too.
- Elderberry extract - Elderberry extract is a traditional medicinal herb with antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can help prevent infection by killing bacteria before they spread through the body. Elderberry extract also stops inflammation caused by chemicals released by certain types of bacteria. This can reduce redness, itching and swelling of the skin caused by dyshidrotic eczema.
- Oatmeal baths and compresses - Oatmeal is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it helps reduce itching and swelling associated with dyshidrotic eczema. Add two cups of oatmeal to a bath, or soak cotton balls in water mixed with oatmeal and apply them to the affected areas.
These dyshidrotic eczema treatments will help relieve symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema. However, if the condition is severe or doesn’t improve after three days, see a doctor.
How can dyshidrosis eczema be prevented?
There are many ways to can do to prevent dyshidrosis eczema from happening and to help prevent it from getting worse.
- To prevent dyshidrosis eczema from appearing, it is important to avoid exposure to allergens and irritants. For example, if you know your eczema flares up when exposed to a particular material or certain type of activity, then stay away from those things as much as possible.
- Keep the area dry by using lotions that are alcohol-free such as Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Lotion, to seal in the skin's natural moisture.
- Wear cotton clothing that is both loose and breathable, such as a t-shirt or tank top on those days when you know your eczema is going to be worse than usual.
- Try not to scratch at the rash, no matter how tempting it may be. Scratching can damage the skin and cause it to become infected, which is never a good thing.
- Be especially mindful of what you use on your hands, as this will be one of the areas where eczema typically manifests first. It's best not to apply lotions or scrubs that have alcohol in them because these are more likely to cause irritated skin.
- Avoid using harsh soaps on your hands as well, and instead, use a milder soap that will be more gentle. For example, it would be better to wash dishes with baby shampoo than something like dishwashing liquid because of its gentler formula.
- Keep your hands clean by washing them at least once a day with soap and water.
- Wear cotton gloves to keep your hands dry when washing dishes or doing other activities that may cause dyshidrotic eczema to flare up.
- If you feel like the eczema is getting worse, then it might be time to see a healthcare professional.
Dyshidrotic eczema can often get better without treatment, but there are some medications that could help clear up any redness or itching.
The most important thing to remember is that your condition shouldn't be ignored and will always need some kind of treatment to get rid of it for good. It can be a seriously annoying condition, but it's definitely worth trying to find some dyshidrosis eczema treatments or home remedies that will work for you.
Conclusion
Dyshidrotic eczema is a stubborn condition, no matter its cause. Dyshidrotic eczema treatments may take some trial and error to find what works for you, but the rewards can be worth it. We've laid out effective ways to manage your symptoms here, but if you are still looking for something more we encourage you to contact your primary care doctor or a dermatologist near you.
