What is Dyshidrotic Eczema?

By Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Do you or anyone you know have itchy palms or itchy feet? If so, you may have a form of eczema called Dyshidrotic Eczema. This itchy diagnosis goes by many names. It can be referred to as Hand Eczema, Acute Palmoplantar Eczema, and is commonly called Pompholyx.

Itchy—check. Have you ever looked at your hands and wondered why does it look like there is a really small flesh-colored or clear beads on the sides of some or all of your fingers and/or on the palms of both hands?

These symptoms of itch followed by the development of vesicles are typical of Dyshidrotic Eczema. People used to think that this condition was caused by hyperactive sweat glands but now the scientific community thinks otherwise.

What is the cause of Dyshidrotic Eczema?

The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown, but people with excessive sweating of the hands and feet are more disposed to getting this. It is also thought changes in seasons can cause a flare. A physician will also likely ask about exposures to metals like cobalt and nickel and look for evidence of fungal infections as sometimes these can cause other forms of dermatitis on the hands [1,2]

What is the management of Nummular Eczema?

Seeing a physician will likely be required as many times a very strong topical steroid is needed to bring the itch under control. Physicians will also frequently prescribe an astringent solution that can dry out some of the vesicles. This astringent solution is known as “Burow’s Solution” and can be found over the counter. This will make a soak that can be used several times a day.

In addition to those steps, the management is similar to what one would do with atopic dermatitis –eczema:

Bathe and wash hands daily with a gentle irritant free cleanser
Utilize an irritant-free moisturizing eczema cream at least twice daily.
Use laundry detergent and dryer sheets that avoid scent and color.
You will most likely need to see your healthcare provider to get prescription steroids, and in severe cases may require oral medications.
If a particular environmental irritant is found to aggravate the condition your healthcare provider can suggest ways to reduce exposure

Dyshidrotic Eczema and Happy Cappy

Happy Cappy was made for people with itchy skin conditions like Dyshidrotic Eczema. Skin that is broken and irritated can have a higher pH than normal skin which has a low pH (4-5). Many commercially available soaps tend to have high pHs. Using a soap that also has a low pH (similar to non-irritated skin) can help normalize the pH of irritated skin and improve skin barrier function.

Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo & Body Wash is an irritant-free cleanser infused with soothing ingredients Provitamin B5, Oatmeal Extract, Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, Licorice Root Extract, and Glycerin. These natural ingredients help draw moisture into the skin. Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo & Body Wash has the low pH you need and avoids dye, parabens and sulfates.

Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream is an irritant-free moisturizer that protects and restores the skin barrier along with our 95% natural eczema body wash. Happy Cappy’s proprietary formulation uses white petrolatum with Licorice Root Extract, Glycerin, and other smoothing emulsifiers to make a non-greasy product perfect for reapplying throughout the day.

References:

Amini, Sadegh. “Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx) Treatment & Management.” Medscape. Updated: Apr 22, 2020. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1122527-overview . Accessed 30 June 2020.
Paller, Amy and Anthony Mancini. Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. Third Edition. Elsevier Inc. 2006.