What is Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx?
Dyshidrotic eczema is a condition where small blisters develop on the hands and feet. The blisters that occur in dyshidrotic eczema generally last from 3-4 weeks and cause intense itching and it might be painful. Pompholyx Greek word that means “Bubble”
The most common cause of this type is family history, prolonged hand moisture or in water, or allergy to certain materials like nickel or chromium, it can also be triggered by stress. The skin of the palms, sides of the fingers or the soles of the feet are major sites of incidence.
Who is prone to get affected with Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx?
Dyshidrotic eczema can affect common people between 20-50 years; females have a higher incidence of dyshidrotic eczema.
What are the causes of Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx?
• Family history
• Stress
• Allergic response to the environment like hay fever, asthma
• Hand often moist or in water
• A sudden change in temperature
• Excessive sweating
• Chemicals
• Bacterial infection
• Nickel or chromium allergy
Describe the signs and symptoms of Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx.
• Skin Itchy, red
• Skin flakes, Cracks, and fissures
• Excessive sweating
• Pain and swollen rash
• Small deep-seated blisters
• Blister very itchy
• Scaly patches of skin
• Weeping/ crusting skin lesions
• Scratching leads to skin colour changes
• Skin thickening caused by scratching
• Severe pompholyx causes nail dystrophy
What are the investigations of Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx?
• Complete case history
• Physical examination
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) test
• Patch testing
• Skin biopsy
What treatment is advised in cases of Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx?
• Anti-itch medicines
• Petroleum jelly
• Steroid pills after doctors’ advice
• Coal tar preparation
• Ultraviolent light therapy (Phototherapy)
What is the prognosis of Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx?
Patients with dyshidrotic eczema recover spontaneously in 3 to 4 weeks; there is no specific cure for this. Excessive itching and scratching can lead to thick irritated skin which is hard to treat
What are the complications of Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx?
• Pain, redness, swelling, and itching
• Skin crusting or pustules
• Secondary infection
• Emotional stress
• Bacterial infection from scratching
What is the differential diagnosis of Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx?
• Pustular psoriasis
• Fungal infection
• Bacterial infections
• Pemphigoid gestations
• Erythema multiforme
• Fixed drug eruption
• Friction blister
• Herpes simplex
What diet and management are advised in cases of Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx?
• Yoga and meditation help a lot
• Use stress-releasing techniques
• Keep hands and feet clean and dry
• Limit skin exposure to water
• Follow a healthy diet, avoid consumption of processed food
• Avoid scratching the rash
• Use moisturizing hand cream after washing hands
• Use cold compression
• Petroleum jelly is also helpful
• Protect hands from irritants like perfumes, lotions or dishwashing soap
• Avoid exposure to mineral salts like chromium and nickel
• Use gloves on your hands while dealing with dust, water and cleaning agents
What are the Homoeopathy remedies for the management of Dyshidrotic eczema/Pompholyx cases?
Arsenic album
Antimonium crudum
Borax Veneta
Graphites
Kreosotum
Petroleum
