Dyshidrosis

Dyshidrosis or dyshidrotic eczema is part of the diseases called eczema or dermatitis. There are eczemas of external cause, such as allergic contact eczema, and of internal or endogenous cause, which can appear as response to stress, temperature changes, some infections, or unclear triggers. Dyshidrosis is generally part of the latter.

How is it produced and how is it manifested?

Dyshidrosis is caused by an inflammation in the skin that causes the accumulation of fluid in which, when they come together, they form true blisters, which break leaving a dry and scaly skin, more thickened than usual, which can break or crack. The most commonly affected areas are the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. In its onset, dyshidrosis usually begins on the lateral aspect of the fingers of the hand, with vesicles that appear with intense itching.

How is it diagnosed?

Both a general practitioner and a dermatologist can easily diagnose dyshidrosis by simple visualization of the skin. In some cases, cultures can be used to rule out infection. It is very rare that a skin biopsy is required to diagnose dyshidrosis.

In some cases dyshidrosis can translate a remote response from another dermatosis. For example, patients who have (yeast infection of the feet) may have a reflex response in the form of dyshidrosis in the hands.

What should be the expectations of the treatment?

The patient with dyshidrosis must understand that they have a problem that can be controlled with treatment, but that can recur periodically, so that complete cure can never be fully assured. Many patients suffer from dyshidrosis in the hot season, and they must learn to cool off and wear footwear that allows perspiration. The patient should know the initial symptoms and have adequate treatment to stop the evolution or go quickly to the doctor to start it.

Treatment

Treatment is based on the use of drying solutions and the administration of corticosteroids topical or oral. In very chronic or recurrent cases, stronger anti-inflammatory drugs such as methotrexate or cyclosporine may be used. Some patients may respond to phototherapy, a treatment performed in hospitals with special UV lamps. What you should know

• It is part of eczema of internal or endogenous causes that appear in response to stress, temperature changes, some infections, or unclear triggers.
• The most commonly affected areas are the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
• In case of dyshidrosis in the hot season, it is important to cool off frequently and wear footwear that allows perspiration.