Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is unknown. It is believed that the condition is more common during particular time of the year. It is associated with allergic condition like hay fever. Risk factors include female gender, chronic exposure of hands to chromium, cobalt or nickel, excessive stress.
Clinical presentation
In dyshydrosis, small blisters develop on the skin of palms of hand, sides of fingers and soles of feet. The skin lesions present as fluid filled blisters called as vesicles along the edges of the fingers, toes, palms and soles. There is intense itching. Scratching leads to skin changes and skin thickening. It may present as cracks on the fingers or toes. There is peeling of skin. Large blisters may cause pain.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the dermatologist helps in diagnosis. A skin biopsy is recommended to rule out fungal infection.
Treatment
Treatment will depend upon the severity of the complaint. It includes medicines like Antihistamines for the itching, oral steroid medications. Corticosteroid ointments to treat the blisters and control itching may be required. Moisturizers will help in managing the skin cracks. Other treatment options include Ultraviolet light therapy.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating dyshydrosis. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating dyshydrosis.
