Dyshidrosis: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

Dyshidrosis is a skin condition that causes small, fluid-filled blisters on the palms and fingers of the hands. Occasionally, the soles of the feet may also be affected. The excruciating blisters last for a few weeks and return regularly.

Treatment for dyshidrosis most commonly consists of steroid skin creams or ointments. Your doctor or another healthcare provider may suggest an alternative treatment plan, such as light therapy or oral or injectable medicine. The best course of action will depend on how severe your symptoms are. Pompholyx and dyshidrotic eczema are other terms for dyshidrosis.

Causes Of Dyshidrosis

The cause of dyshidrosis is unknown. It is more common in people with skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergic disorders like hay fever or glove allergy. Dyshidrosis is not a communicable disease.

Also Read: Bags Undereye: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Symptoms Of Dyshidrosis

Dyshidrosis causes painful, itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the sides of the fingers, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. The blisters are quite small, about the width of a standard pencil lead. They are grouped and may have a tapioca-like appearance.

The small blisters may merge to become larger blisters if the sickness is severe. Skin caused by dyshidrosis can be quite uncomfortable and itchy. After a few weeks of drying out, the blisters fall off. It is common for dyshidrosis to recur for months or years at a time.

Also Read: Bacterial Vaginosis: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Complications, Prevention, Diagnosis And Treatment

Risk Factors Of Dyshidrosis

The following are some risk factors for dyshidrosis:

• Stress: Periods of physical or psychological stress appear to be associated with an increased risk of dyshidrosis.
• Connections to particular metals: These often occur in an industrial setting and include nickel and cobalt.
• Sensitive skin: Dyshidrosis blisters are more likely to occur in those who have a rash after being exposed to certain irritants.
• Atopic dermatitis: Dyshidrosis can occur in certain people with atopic dermatitis.

Also Read: Leprosy Symptoms, Treatment, Types, Causes, Diagnosis

Diagnosis Of Dyshidrosis

To diagnose dyshidrosis, your doctor would likely look at the damaged skin and inquire about your health history. To rule out diseases that can produce symptoms similar to dyshidrosis, you might require additional testing. 

One way to determine the type of fungus causing an athlete's foot is to do a skin scraping test. Alternatively, perhaps a patch test exists. In this test, a tiny quantity of a possible allergy is applied to the skin, and any symptoms are seen.

Also Read: Urticaria: Classification, Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Treatment Of Dyshidrosis

Alternatives for Treating Dyshidrosis:

• Steroid use: Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid lotion or ointment to aid in the healing of the blisters. When plastic wrap or a moist bandage is applied to the treatment area, the drug is better absorbed by the skin. Spider veins and skin thinning are two side effects of long-term steroid use. In severe situations, your doctor may prescribe a brief course of oral steroids, such as prednisone, as a stopgap measure before further therapy.
• Phototherapy: If conventional therapies are unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend light therapy. During this treatment, a UV lamp called a narrowband UVB lamp is applied to the affected skin.
• Creams that inhibit the immune system: A calcineurin inhibitor called tacrolimus (Protopic) may be helpful for people who want to cut back on their steroid intake. Don't combine this treatment with phototherapy.
• Regulating sweat production: Excessive sweating on the palms and soles might aggravate dyshidrosis. Antiperspirants or injections of botulinum toxin A may be suggested by your physician. This technique could help enhance skin tone and decrease perspiration.

Also Read: Molluscum Contagiosum: Causes, Symptoms, Transmissions, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications and Prevention

Prevention Of Dyshidrosis

Dyshidrosis is unavoidable. It might be advantageous to lessen stress and restrict exposure to metal salts like cobalt and nickel.

Good skin care practices may also help with skin protection. Among them are:

• Use mild, non-soap cleansers and lukewarm water to wash your hands.
• Make sure the hands dry properly.
• Apply a moisturizer at least twice daily.
• Wearing a pair of gloves. If on the other hand, you discover that wearing gloves exacerbates the rash, you may be allergic to them. Tell your doctor about this. Consider wearing cotton gloves to reduce itching. For activities that involve getting wet, you could consider wearing cotton gloves underneath waterproof ones.

Also Read: Ichthyosis Vulgaris: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications

Complications Of Dyshidrosis

For most people who have dyshidrosis, it's only a bothersome inconvenience. Some people might discover that using their hands or feet is too painful or irritating. Severe scratching increases the risk of bacterial infection of the affected skin.

After the injured area heals, the skin color there may change. This is known as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is more likely to occur in people with dark or black skin tones. In the absence of therapy, this issue normally goes away with time.

Also Read: Angioedema : Symptoms, Causes, Types, Diagnosis and Treatment

Download the PrepLadder app now to access high-yield content with 24-hr Free Trial. Explore premium study resources like Video Lectures, digital notes, QBank, and Mock Tests for a seamless exam preparation. Access top-notch NEET PG coaching online.