Breaking out with small fluid filled vesicles on hands, may be a symptom of a skin condition called dyshidrosis, also known as pompholyx or dyshidrotic eczema. Dyshidrosis usually occurs on the fingers, palms of the hands, and /or the soles of the feet.
Signs and symptoms of dyshidrosis include:
- Small bumps that gradually transform into fluid-filled vesicles / blisters
- Intense itching
- Formation of painful cracks / grooves / fissures after the blisters dry up
Though, what causes dyshidrosis is not known, it can be linked to other similar skin conditions like allergic conditions and atopic dermatitis. For people with allergies, eruption of these blisters may be a seasonal occurrence.
Treatment
The condition usually resolves by itself in about three weeks, only to reappear again, especially after exposure to stress or other trigger factors.
There is no cure for dyshidrosis, however, treatments like application of topical creams, ultraviolet light therapy and wet compresses may ease symptoms. Following self-care measures may also help soothe and reduce blisters:
- Try not to scratch.
- Avoid continued exposure to water
- Regularly moisturize hand, especially after contact with water. You can also use coconut or olive oil as a natural moisturizer.
- Avoid irritants which may trigger this condition. Example, perfumed soaps and lotions, dishwashing soaps, solvents, detergent, alcohol based cleansers, metal salts like cobalt, chromium and nickel.
- Avoid staying for long in sweaty socks and wet shoes and gloves.
- While working in water, wear cotton or neoprene gloves.
- Avoid Rubber, woolen or latex gloves and dispose old and worn out gloves
- Wear cotton or leather gloves while doing other household chores to protect your hand.
- Avoid metal jewelry and avoid wearing any jewelry while doing household chores.
Since the cause of dyshidrosis is not known, there's no fixed method to prevent this condition. However, some home remedies are believed to work on some people. These include:
- Soaking hands in warm water with some drops of bath oil in it. This helps moisturize the skin and remove bacteria.
- Applying some vinegar to reduce itching
- Applying Aloe Vera juice to soothe skin
- Soaking hands in a salt bath for about half an hour
- Applying a zinc oxide based ointment.
References:
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dyshidrosis/DS00804/DSECTION=prevention
- http://eczematreatmentsite.org/dyshidrotic-eczema-treatment/
answered by A S