How Long Does Dyshidrotic Eczema Last?

Having dyshidrotic eczema can be a nightmare. It's uncomfortable and itchy, but the worst part is that sometimes it lasts for months or years at a time with no relief in sight. This article will discuss how long dyshidrotic eczema last and its causes. 

What is dyshidrotic eczema?

Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin disorder characterized by itchy skin, dyshidrotic (shiny), and red-brown itchy blisters on fingers and toes. It is also known as dyshidrosis or pompholyx. It can cause dry skin, cracked skin, and a burning sensation.

There are many different types of eczema. These include dyshidrotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. How long any particular type of eczema will last varies from person to person.

The blisters are usually small and clear, but they can become red and swollen, especially if scratched or damaged. The skin may flake off, leaving behind raw patches that can crack or bleed. In some cases, the blistering can spread to other areas of your body, such as your elbows and knees.

Dyshidrotic eczema is most common in adults ages 20 to 40 years old. It usually appears on the palms, outer hands, feet soles, arms inside elbows, knees, bottoms of feet, or toes. It can also appear on the buttock, groin area, lateral aspect of the thigh, and breast.

How long does dyshidrotic eczema last?

Usually, the blistering skin condition will go away after a few weeks. How long dyshidrotic eczema will last also depends on the severity of the condition, general health, and other factors such as allergies or skin sensitivity. It may take up to two months for blisters to go away completely with treatment.

A severe type of it will take longer to heal. If an allergy causes the blister, it may not go away completely for years and must be treated with drugs that suppress your immune system because they respond better than topical steroids in those cases.

It can take up to three months before dyshidrotic eczema starts showing significant improvement. In some instances, long-term treatment will be needed.

Causes of dyshidrotic eczema

The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema isn't known, but it's thought that allergies may play a role in the development of this condition. People with dyshidrotic eczema may be allergic to substances such as nickel, cobalt or chromium — metal alloys found in jewellery and coins — or even household products such as detergents or soaps. Skin irritants such as wool or synthetic fabrics can also trigger outbreaks.

Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema

The main symptom of dyshidrotic eczema is blisters. These are small fluid-filled bumps that appear on your skin. They may be itchy and painful.

Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema are itchy, sore, and dry skin. The itchiness is usually worst when the person first wakes up in the morning or after bathing or handwashing. When healing, the skin may be red, and there can also be cracked or dry, itchy patches of skin.

Symptoms will usually start to go away after a few months, but sometimes it lasts for more than six months.

Some people may have severe eczema, which can be persistent. Dyshidrotic eczema can be dangerous because it is an inflammatory skin condition and often flares up after contact with water or allergens, so that's why it’s important to avoid triggers that make the symptoms worse, like soap, detergents, or lotions.

If you have this condition and it's not getting better after a few months of treatment, contact your doctor for help with medications to reduce the inflammation in the skin.

How to diagnose dyshidrotic eczema?

The diagnosis of dyshidrotic eczema is based on the patient's history and clinical findings. A dermatologist or other skin specialist can make a diagnosis.

The following may be used in the diagnosis of dyshidrotic eczema:

• Physical examination, which includes an examination of skin lesions, nails and hands
• Skin biopsy (a small piece of tissue is removed from your skin and looked at under a microscope), especially if you have a rash that does not respond to treatment 
• Patch tests (you apply an allergen to a patch on your skin, and it is observed for a reaction), especially if you have a rash that does not respond to treatment.

If you have a rash that does not respond to treatment, your doctor may perform one or more tests to help diagnose your rash.

How can dyshidrotic eczema be treated?

Dyshidrotic eczema can be treated with topical corticosteroids. Topical medications can be prescribed for eczema and are not specific to one type of eczema or another. 

These treatments include a range of different products that contain moisturizing cream, antihistamines, antibiotics, and other agents, depending on the specifics of your condition.

Another way to treat it is to reduce your exposure to triggers altogether. This includes taking care of allergies and skin irritants and learning how they can make eczema worse due to the immune response that occurs in some people with this condition.

Treatment for dyshidrotic eczema depends on its severity and how long you've had it. When mild, treatment usually involves applying over-the-counter moisturizers, steroid creams, or ointments to affected areas every day until symptoms improve. 

These treatments can also help relieve symptoms when used intermittently for flare-ups. If over-the-counter moisturizers don't control severe symptoms, ask your doctor about prescription treatments that may be more effective.

Conclusion

Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin condition that may be uncomfortable at times, but there’s no need to panic. How long it lasts can vary from person to person, but generally speaking, it usually disappears on its own after a few weeks. 

Common symptoms include itching or burning sensation on the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. Contact a dermatologist for more information about how long dyshidrosis will last and treatment options for this disorder.

‍