Causes of Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrosis eczema, or simply dyshidrosis, is a chronic skin ailment in which small blisters appear symmetrically and recurrently on the hands and feet. Not only do these blisters look ugly, they also cause severe itching and pain. The blisters may appear seasonally or accompany hay fever and attacks of asthma. Sometimes these blisters merge together and form larger and more painful lesions, which might require surgical draining. The exact cause of this disorder is not known, but it is believed that it occurs as a result of other skin diseases like atopic dermatitis or bacterial infections, or is triggered by acute stress. External contact with allergens like copper, nickel or mercury, or the consumption of these toxins through food may also cause this problem. Regular intake of hormone pills and oral contraceptives and excessive smoking could also be responsible for causing dyshidrosis. Usually, a course of corticosteroid ointments or creams are recommended by doctors for treating this kind of eczema.
Cures for Dyshidrotic Eczema
There are a few simple remedies that you may follow at home to treat dyshidrosis. Wash your hands and feet with a solution of some Epsom salts added to lukewarm water. Soaking your hands and feet in white vinegar for 10 minutes twice a day also helps relieve itching and irritation. You should also keep a check on the kind of body products you use. If you observe that the blisters appear after the application of a particular brand of soap or cream, discontinue its use immediately and opt for safer options like mild herbal skin care products. It also recommended that you wear hand gloves while washing utensils or clothes, as the strong chemicals present in detergents may irritate the skin and cause the appearance of the blisters.
Overexposure to water and direct sunlight may also cause the skin to become fragile and cause the eruption of blisters. It is advisable, therefore, that you restrict contact with water and heat so far as possible. Every time you wash your hands and feet, remember to massage them with a cream that suits your skin type. It is also useful to apply a moisturizer on your hands and feet before going to bed every night. This prevents the skin from becoming too dry and thereby reduces the chances of infections. In case of severe itching and burning, apply a cold compress at regular intervals by tying up a few ice cubes in a soft towel and pressing it gently against the blisters.