What is dyshidrotic eczema on the feet?
Dyshidrotic eczema (also known as pompholyx or dyshidrosis) causes itchy skin and small, fluid-filled blisters. This condition usually appears on the soles of the feet and can be either reactive or inflammatory.
Due to its plantar location and name, dyshidrotic eczema can sometimes be confused for a hyperhidrosis. Sweating, however, is not a cause or a consequence of dyshidrotic eczema. Sweating, however, is not a cause of dyshidrosis.
What are the symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema?
Dyshidrotic eczema occurs on the soles of the feet. Itchy, fluid-filled blisters or pustules form under the skin causing considerable discomfort. The condition is often seasonal, worsening or reappearing in the spring and fall months.
What are the causes of dyshidrotic eczema?
Dyshidrotic eczema is usually a reactive disorder whereby many white blood cells (leukocytes) migrate from the blood into the skin. Once present in the skin, these cells form the blisters or pustules that characterize dyshidrotic eczema. Dyshidrosis of the feet is in the same family as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. These skin diseases are auto-inflammatory and have a chronic relapsing course. Therefore, if an individual is predisposed to the condition, it will reoccur many times throughout their life. As with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, there is no one definite cause of dyshidrotic eczema.
Some common triggers include:
- stress
- seasonal changes
- contact with irritants
- secondary infections from the streptococcal bacterial family
- secondary infections from the dermatophyte bacterial family
What to do in case of dyshidrotic eczema on the feet?
In the case of Plantar Dyshidrosis, it is important to consult a dermatologist, as it is often mistaken for a form of Hypersweatness, whereas if it is a form of Psoriasis or Atopic Dermatitis, the same remedies, i.e. reducing agents, must be used.
As a cosmetic adjuvant for the treatment of skin manifestations related to Plantar Dyshidrosis, such as redness and itching, we recommend:
- Apply 2S Cream in the evening and massage until completely absorbed
- In the morning, apply PEG Balm and massage until absorbed.
Dyshidrotic eczema is sometimes associated with athlete’s foot (dermatophytes) between the toes. To cure dyshidrosis, the infection must first be eradicated. Here too, it is useful to apply 2S Cream between the toes in the evening to soothe the symptoms of the infection. In some cases, getting rid of athlete’s foot is enough to also get rid of dyshidrotic eczema.
CLEANSING
To keep the affected area clean, dry wash with potassium permanganate solution.
When the eczema has regressed, wash with the mild, non-foaming Eudermic Washing Base.
To be avoided
To avoid irritating the skin during an eruption of dyshidrotic eczema, feet should not be wet or washed. Water and contact with soaps can be stressors which aggravate symptoms.
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