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In modern times, the world is experiencing rapid growth, necessitating corresponding adjustments in our lifestyle. To keep up with this, we have changed our lifestyle accordingly. Such a lifestyle paves the way for the onset of many pandemics or diseases. One such disease is dyshidrotic eczema. Eczema is referred to as a skin disease, and it is a special type of infection in the living skin. So let’s have a quick insight into this disease.
1. An Insight to Dyshidrotic Eczema
Skin diseases are prevalent nowadays. These diseases happen especially during dry conditions of the skin when there is significant stress on the skin layers. Dry or rough infected skin is also referred to as Eczema. But in some cases, it turns worse due to negligence. This article delves into the details of dyshidrotic eczema exploring its symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin infection where blisters appear on the skin surface. These blisters vary in sizes, ranging from small to bigger, more conspicuous ones. It occurs on the folded parts, like the edges of the fingers or toes, or on dry, plain surfaces, like the soles of the feet.
According to some research, it can be passed through genes. Patients with a medical history of dermatitis and its type may have a higher chance of experiencing eczema growth. Patients aged between 20 and 40 suffer more from it. It tends to occur more in women than in men.
Let’s discuss the numbers. If the United States is taken into account, 31.6 million people have suffered from this disease, with one in ten individuals affected. It is not limited to any race or particular country; it occurs worldwide.
Around 60% of adults have reported having unbearable itchiness. Although it is not fatal, it may interfere with one’s sleep schedule and decrease productivity. According to some research, these are related to bone diseases and are likely to cause osteoporosis and bone defects.
It may happen once or more than once to any individual. With the help of a medical practitioner, one can identify the primary cause behind it. Often, the occurrence of a disease happens through triggering. If one can manage or prevent it, then one can fight the disease at its early stage. Therefore, in our next section, we shall review the symptoms, causes, and treatment.
1.1 History About Eczema
Eczema has a long history dating back to the 1800s. However, the term dyshidrotic was first introduced in 1873. It was not initially associated with sweat glands; it was associated with blisters. Egypt studied it thoroughly. It involves infections of the hand, feet, sole, and finger joints.
2. Visible Symptoms of It
Dyshidrotic eczema, as we discussed, is a skin disease. Hence, the symptoms will hover around the skin and its related counterpart. Some are listed below:
- One’s palm, fingers, and sole may be primarily affected. Small, visible blisters appear in this region, indicating the possible cause of this disease.
- These blisters may grow larger and become more painful; itchiness is a common symptom.
- The development of scales on the skin is another possible symptom.
- The region around the blisters may become more moist due to sweat or other gland secretions.
- Following the fading of blisters, cracked skin may develop.
- Further infection of the blister region may occur, especially when there is more contact and scratching of that part.
- It does not spread to other body parts but may extend beyond the occurrence region, such as spreading to the backside of fingers.
- The skin may become dark, and nails may get damaged.
One should identify the symptoms early and not neglect them. The discussed symptoms are that if it grows more painful, it will interfere with one’s daily life.
3. Cause Behind Dyshidrotic Eczema
Before learning how to prevent it, we should investigate its cause, which also includes the triggering point of the disease. The exact cause of this disease is still unknown, but professionals have found some triggering points. Let’s explore these triggers.
Moisture: Research has shown that individuals with persistently moist hands and feet are more susceptible to infected risk. This environment encourages the growth of pathogens as it resembles their natural habitat.
Allergies: It was found that allergens can accelerate the growth. Some individuals may have allergies to products such as hand sanitizers, detergents, washing powders, and others. Identifying and addressing these allergens can assist in preventing eczema. It’s worth noting that hay fever or food allergens can also lead to eczema.
Immune System Response: We all know the theory about our immune system. When any foreign pathogen enters our body, our body’s first line of defense starts to work. This leads to inflammation in that region. These inflammatory responses on the skin surface can predispose individuals to dyshidrotic eczema by creating a conducive environment for its development.
Metals source: Some individuals are hypersensitive to certain metals. This may be among workers in metal-required places like cement factories. The common metals that cause it are cobalt, nickel, and so on.
Stress and Weather: Sunny or dry weather can aggravate the development of these infections. Sunny weather brings one more aspect of UV rays, which may create blisters. Often, humid weather also triggers them.
Additional potential triggers encompass personal skincare products. Hence, it is advisable to use branded and reliable products for your skin and discuss them with a dermatologist before applying them. Certain medications, like aspirin and birth control pills, can cause side effects such as eczema.
As we have discussed, it is noncontagious, which means it cannot be transmitted from one person to another through direct contact. However, it operates differently in other cases. The blisters may grow or worsen upon direct contact with fingers or other objects.
4. Treatment For Dyshidrosis
Identification and diagnosis are necessary. So, in this section, we will explore the possible medications or treatments available for these conditions. What precautions do we need to take while living and working with this to avoid it worsening?
Apply a proper moisturizer after consulting a dermatologist. It will help to treat the dryness and roughness of the skin. Some steroid medicines can be taken during severe conditions. For severe conditions, ultraviolet rays and psoralen treatment are advised. Following a doctor’s protocol, one can use injectable biological medicines for an early cure.
- Avoid direct contact with hot water if you have blisters or open wounds. Instead, use lukewarm water.
- Wear gloves to prevent the spread of disease.
- Always ensure that hands are dried adequately after working with water.
- Keep the affected regions away from stressful conditions or allergens to prevent further worsening.
- These are some ways to live with eczema while taking other medications.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
1) What do you mean by eczema?
Eczema is a medical condition where the skin layer gets irritated and leads to infection. In this article, we discussed a case of dyshidrotic eczema. The appearance of blisters is the most common symptom of it.
2) Do metals pose the threat of having dyshidrotic eczema?
Some individuals may have allergies or are hypersensitive to certain metals. So metals or scratches due to metals may develop into skin infections like blisters.
3) List some common causes of dyshidrotic eczema.
Here are some common causes: moisture conditions, humid weather, stress factors, exposure to allergens, certain medications, and other personal skin care products. One should keep an eye on these triggering factors to prevent such conditions.
4) What are some methods of treating it?
Medications and injectables are provided according to the conditions of the blisters. But apart from that, one should avoid triggering points, and applying moisturizer was suggested. PUVA treatment is one of the methods.
6. In The End
We have learned everything about this disease. However, our learning does not stop here. The most crucial aspect is understanding the disease and implementing measures to prevent it at the onset. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Here are some ways one can avoid dyshidrosis:
- Apply moisturizer to prevent dry skin. It should be of a good brand. Apply it twice a day.
- One should not wear rings continuously. Continuous wearing may rupture the skin surface and make it vulnerable to eczema growth.
- Apply hand sanitizer to avoid the growth of any microbes.
- If there is itchiness on the skin, then don’t scratch it directly.
- One should wear gloves while handling materials that may have ill effects on the skin.
- Avoid using products that are allergens to your skin. This will reduce the chances of it occurring.
- One should follow the protocols wisely to prevent occurrence of it.
Last Updated on by Gautam
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