Monday, March 25, 2024
HomeNewsTypes Of Eczema On Feet

Types Of Eczema On Feet

How Is Dyshidrotic Eczema Diagnosed

Types of Foot Eczema vs. Athlete’s Feet: Symptoms, Causes & Natural Treatments

Diagnosing the condition usually involves examining the patient, noting the symptoms and taking the patients history, says Lio.

If we suspect that a contact allergen is driving it, we may perform patch testing. Rarely, fungal infection can cause a very similar picture to occur clinically, so we can perform a scraping and a KOH examination to look for fungal forms, he adds. According to U.S. National Library of Medicines MedlinePlus guide, a KOH examination involves scraping the problem area of your skin with a needle or scalpel blade and examining the tissue under a microscope on a slide to which KOH has been added.

Types Of Eczema On Feet

Although there are several different types of eczema on toes, ankles and heels, its important to know that it can be caused by a variety of both external and internal factors. This can include change in diet, allergens like dust mites, pollen or latex and even an unhealthy gut.

Knowing which kind of eczema you have is important to treatment, as youll become more familiar with your triggers and learn ways to avoid or limit them.

Research And Statistics: How Common Is Dyshidrotic Eczema

There isnt much recent research about the prevalence of dyshidrotic eczema. But a study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in 2015 found that dyshidrotic eczema was the fifth most common cause of hand eczema, behind irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and protein contact dermatitis or contact urticaria.

The condition tends to affect women more than men, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It is most common in adults between ages 20 and 40.

Recommended Reading: Eczema That Looks Like Blisters

When To Seek Professional Help

You should see a doctor if you think you have a skin allergy so that you can have patch testing performed. If your patch testing comes up positive for a skin allergy, your doctor can prescribe topical or oral steroids to treat your contact dermatitis.

Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis can worsen with a bacterial infection. If your rash has exudate or pus, weeping, or crusting, schedule an appointment with your doctor to receive further treatment.

What Is Dyshidrotic Eczema

Eczema on feet from excessive heat/sweat : eczema

This type of eczema causes tiny, intensely itchy blisters on the hands or feet. It is also called pompholyx.

Dyshidrotic eczema on a woman’s palms

While dyshidrotic eczema may look contagious, you cannot catch it from someone.

The blisters of dyshidrotic eczema may last for three to four weeks before clearing. Some people never develop blisters again. Dyshidrotic eczema can also be a lifelong, debilitating disease.

For most people, having dyshidrotic eczema falls somewhere in between having it once and living with a chronic, debilitating condition.

With a dermatologists help, many people discover what triggers their blisters. Avoiding what triggers the blisters helps to reduce flare-ups.

Common triggers include personal care products like shampoo or soap. Coming into contact with nickel or cobalt can also lead to blisters. Nickel and cobalt are so common that it can be hard to avoid them. You find these metals in everything from jewelry and cell phones to the foods you eat.

Other common triggers include stress, sweat, and rising temperatures. For some people, dyshidrotic eczema develops every spring or summer and then clears when the temperature starts to fall. Having wet hands for long periods can also trigger dyshidrotic eczema.

If products you work with on your job trigger blisters, a dermatologist can help you protect your skin and prevent new blisters. Cutting oil and cement can be triggers you come in contact with at work.

Read Also: Home Remedies For Infected Eczema

What Causes Pompholyx Eczema

The exact causes of pompholyx eczema are not known, although it is thought that factors such as stress, sensitivity to metal compounds , heat and sweating can aggravate this condition. Fifty percent of people with pompholyx have atopic eczema as well, or a family history of atopic eczema. Pompholyx eczema can coexist with fungal infections, so assessment should include checking for the presence of any fungal infection on the hands and feet.

Pompholyx eczema occurs on the palms of the hands, fingers and the feet the skin in these areas is more prone to exposure to potential sources of irritation and aggravation. For this reason, pompholyx eczema can be debilitating and difficult to manage. It can also cause problems with employment.

The hands and feet, where pompholyx commonly occurs, are areas of the body that are also prone to contact dermatitis. This can take one of two forms irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis.

Pompholyx may occur as a single episode, but for most people it is a chronic type of eczema that will come and go.

Read Also: How To Treat Eczema While Pregnant

Tips For Reducing Outbreaks

Here are a few ways to prevent eczema flare-ups and manage symptoms:

  • Apply cool compresses to your skin, or take a colloidal oatmeal or baking soda bath to relieve the itch.
  • Moisturize your skin daily with a rich, oil-based cream or ointment to form a protective barrier against the elements. Apply the cream right after you get out of the shower or bath to seal in moisture.
  • After you bathe, gently blot your skin with a soft towel. Never rub.
  • Avoid scratching. You could cause an infection.
  • Use fragrance-free detergents, cleansers, makeup, and other skin care products.
  • Wear gloves and protective clothing whenever you handle chemicals.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes made from soft fibers, like cotton.

You should also avoid any known triggers.

Read Also: Is Florida Good For Eczema

How Stress Can Trigger Eczema And How To Avoid A Flare

The NEA reports that a survey they conducted about a related condition, atopic dermatitis, found that 30 percent of people with atopic dermatitis were also diagnosed with depression or anxiety. The organization recommends speaking with your healthcare provider or a mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of mental illness. Self-care is important too, such as getting adequate sleep, practicing relaxation techniques, and finding a peer support group.

Skin Changes Can Develop Over Time

Types of Eczema on Hands and Feet | Hands and Feet Dermatitis Types with Pictures

Whether you get new blisters monthly, yearly, or somewhere in between, repeated flare-ups can cause changes to your skin and nails.

These changes include:

Dry, thick skin that itches all the time

When this happens, the skin can become inflamed, as shown here. Sometimes, the skin between your fingers or toes develops a soft, spongy texture.

The skin may feel scaly and have deep, painful cracks.

Nail changes

People who have long-standing dyshidrotic eczema can develop the nail changes shown here. The nails can develop pits and ridges, grow thick, and show discoloration.

Read Also: Eczema On Face Adults Treatment

Why You Have Little Bumps On Hand That Itch

Itchy little bumps on hands can be on one small region of the body like hands or on general body. The causes of this bumps are numerous and varies, it may be a result of something very serious or severe. The following are some of the causes of little bumps on hands that itch:

  • Infections
  • There are several infections that cause little bumps on hands that itchy and include:

    • fungal rashes

    Severe hand eczema on the palms of an adult male

    The best treatment for hand eczema is avoiding what caused it.

    Knowing which substances trigger your hand eczema and protecting your hands at home and at work, can help guard your skin against further irritation. The most important thing to remember is to be consistent a daily routine for care and control is the best defense.

    If you believe that a substance at home or at work is causing your hand eczema, your doctor can do a patch test to see which allergens or irritants may be the problem. Your doctor can also help pinpoint behaviors or practices that may be contributing to your hand eczema and help you find ways to modify or avoid them.

    Signs And Symptoms Of Dyshidrotic Eczema

    Signs and symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema are as follows:

    • Symmetrical crops of clear vesicles and/or bullae
    • Intensely purpuric
    • Typically present on the palms and soles, as well as the lateral aspects of fingers and toes
    • Deep-seated vesicles with a tapiocalike appearance
    • May become large, form bullae, and become confluent
    • In chronic disease, fingernails may reveal dystrophic changes
    • Vesicles typically resolve without rupturing, followed by desquamation

    Recommended Reading: What Does Baby Eczema Look Like Pictures

    Can Eczema Be Treated Without Steroids

    Yes! Nonsteroidal medications are available for people with eczema who dont respond well to steroids or want to switch treatments.

    You may also be able to manage mild eczema symptoms without medications. Techniques include:

    • regularly moisturizing your skin
    • bathing in water thats lukewarm, not hot
    • wet wrap therapy
    • finding fragrance-free alternatives to harsh skin and body products

    If at-home remedies dont help your eczema symptoms, you may consider trying a medication recommended by a healthcare professional.

    How Does It Feel To Have Weeping Eczema

    Atopic Dermatitis

    Eczema that weeps can be very painful and it can significantly impact your life. Many members of MyEczemaTeam have dealt with painful blisters and oozing, wet patches. For some, the symptoms impact more than their physical well-being.

    Im having a horrible day, wrote one member. Im so emotional. A grown man crying, hiding. I dont want anybody to see the blisters all over my hands.

    Another explained, I get tiny blisters all over my hands and the bottoms of my feet. Its really painful and very embarrassing.

    Other members describe their weeping blisters as painful. I have blisters on my feet, one described. When the blisters pop, they make sores and spread. Its itchy and painful.

    Another shared that they couldnt sleep for hours due to their weeping scalp. It is oozing clear liquid, but I cant stop scratching.

    Some find that the symptom lasts for a long time: My ears are oozing and crusty, and its getting in my hair. I have never had a breakout so bad. Its literally been two months now. I feel so hopeless, wrote one member.

    If you, like these members, feel that you cant manage your eczema symptoms or that theyre significantly impacting your emotional well-being and quality of life talk to a dermatology specialist for helpful treatments and strategies.

    Recommended Reading: Vitamins For Dry Skin Eczema

    Prevention And Control Of Outbreaks

    Because the causes are unknown and the triggers are so personal, theres no one way to completely prevent or control outbreaks of dyshidrotic eczema.

    But you can keep your symptoms from barreling out of control by understanding your specific triggers, strengthening your skin by applying moisturizer daily, keeping your stress in check , and staying hydrated.

    Read Also: Hand Sanitizer For People With Eczema

    Treatment For Pompholyx From A Gp

    The main treatments your GP may recommend to treat the symptoms of pompholyx are similar to those used when treating atopic eczema, including:

    • emollients use these all the time and instead of soap to stop your skin becoming dry
    • steroid cream this reduces the inflammation and irritation and helps the skin heal

    Your GP will probably prescribe a strong steroid cream to use for a short period of time to minimise the risk of steroid side effects.

    You may be advised to wear cotton gloves at night to help the cream sink into the skin.

    You can also try:

    • soaking your hands in a dilute solution of potassium permanganate for 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a day for up to 5 days
    • antihistamines to relieve the itching and help you sleep if the itchiness is keeping you awake at night

    These treatments are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Your pharmacist can advise whether they’re suitable for you and how you should use them.

    Antibiotics may be prescribed if your skin becomes infected.

    Don’t Miss: Reasons For Eczema In Toddlers

    How Is Asteatotic Eczema Treated

    Like many other types of eczema, asteatotic eczema is treated with topical and oral medications and lifestyle changes.

    Generally, treatment for eczema begins with daily use of moisturizers and other emollient-containing products. This helps restore moisture to your skin barrier and reduce inflammation and other symptoms.

    Medicated ointments and creams can also help speed up recovery during a flare-up. Topical treatment options for asteatotic eczema may include:

    • Corticosteroids. Topical steroids are often the first treatment prescribed for atopic dermatitis.
    • Calcineurin inhibitors. Calcineurin inhibitors help reduce inflammation and are often prescribed with corticosteroids. Pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are two commonly prescribed calcineurin inhibitors.
    • Lipids. Lipids play an important role in maintaining the protective barrier of the skin. One found that topical application of two endogenous lipids, N-palmitoylethanolamine and N-acetylethanolamine , greatly improved skin function and hydration.

    In some cases, oral antihistamines can help prevent the itching associated with an asteatotic eczema flare-up.

    For more severe asteatotic eczema, stronger medications may be prescribed, such as oral steroids or other anti-inflammatory medications. However, these are prescribed only in rare cases for asteatotic eczema.

    Also Check: How To Reduce Eczema Swelling

    What Triggers Dyshidrosis

    Dyshidrotic Eczema Causes, Types, Symptoms, Treatment, Remedies, and Prevention | Pompholyx eczema

    Healthcare workers and researchers dont know exactly what causes dyshidrosis. A combination of triggers can cause dyshidrosis flare-ups, including:

    • Immune system activation: If you have dyshidrotic eczema, your immune system reacts to minor irritants or allergens. This overreaction can inflame your skin.
    • Allergies: Exposure to certain substances, including cement, nickel, cobalt and chromium, may trigger dyshidrotic eczema. Other allergies, including hay fever or food allergies, may also cause flare-ups.
    • Moisture: Frequently sweaty or wet hands or feet may trigger dyshidrotic eczema.

    You May Like: What Helps Babies With Eczema

    When To See A Doctor

    Usually, minor cases of dermatitis can be resolved with self-care. Still, if your symptoms dont improve, you should visit a dermatologist to determine the best course of action for symptom management of eczema or dermatitis.

    If your skin becomes painful, infected, or very uncomfortable, you should make a doctors appointment as soon as possible.

    What Causes Weeping Eczema

    Out of the seven different types of eczema, three are particularly known to cause blisters and sores that can become so irritated they start to weep. Atopic dermatitis , nummular dermatitis, and dyshidrotic dermatitis are all associated with blistering. Atopic dermatitis is the most common and it is the hardest to treat.

    Also Check: How To Treat Eczema Child

    What Prescription Medications Or Treatments Are Used To Treat Dyshidrotic Eczema

    In more severe cases of dyshidrotic eczema, your healthcare provider may prescribe or recommend the following medications or treatments to help relieve your symptoms:

    • System-wide corticosteroids: If corticosteroid creams or ointments dont relieve your symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, like prednisone .
    • System-wide nonsteroidal immunosuppressive drugs: Long-term use of oral steroids may be unhealthy, so your healthcare provider may prescribe medications such as methotrexate tablets , mychophenolate tablets or dupilumab injections .
    • : Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light, usually ultraviolet B , from special lamps. The ultraviolet light waves in the light can help certain skin disorders, including dyshidrotic eczema. UVB can cause permanent dark spots in darker skin color, so its a good idea to check with your healthcare provider if you have darker skin.

    These Are The 7 Types Of Eczema And Heres How To Tell Which One You Have

    Types of Eczema and Their Symptoms

    There are more than 31 million Americans with eczema, and yet no two patients experience the condition the exact same way. How is this possible? We know there are seven different types of eczema, but what makes each of them unique? We spoke with Dr. Peter Lio, assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University, and Dr. Jeff Yu, an expert in contact dermatitis at Massachusetts General Hospital, to get the details on the underlying similarities and differences between the seven different types of eczema.

    Don’t Miss: Things That Can Help Eczema

    Treatment Of Foot Eczema

    In order to properly treat your foot eczema, its important to visit your doctor. Athletes foot and foot eczema are entirely separate conditions that require different treatment.

    If you have been diagnosed with foot eczema and steroid or prescription creams are not working for you, using both natural eczema treatments and eczema socks can help provide necessary relief.

    Socks

    For foot eczema to heal properly, it needs to be kept properly aired out, so that it is free from sweat. These Hypoallergenic Socks are the perfect eczema socks, as theyre made of 100% organic cotton and are latex-free and elastic free, so completely comfortable and non-irritating. We also love these new adult socks for foot eczema from Remedywear! Why are they great? The fabric is composed of TENCEL and zinc for double the relief and comfort. They come in kids sizes too.

    Dry or Wet Wrap Therapy

    Both socks can also be used for wet wrap therapy, which will keep skin hydrated and allow eczema to heal quicker. This type of treatment works by wearing one damp pair of eczema socks covered with a dry pair AND a natural cream or balm such as the Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream or Emily Skin Soothers Super Dry Soother to heal eczema quickly and painlessly. Dry wrapping is much easier and less messy and we like to recommend it as a first line of defense. Learn all about dry wrapping.

    Do you have foot eczema? Let us know how you treat it in the comments below!

    Laura Dolgy

    TAGS:

    Who Gets Neurodermatitis And Why

    Neurodermatitis is most common in adults between 30 and 50 years of age and occurs more often in women and people with contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Its rarely diagnosed in children, although a few with atopic dermatitis also develop neurodermatitis.

    Psoriasis and anxiety disorders increase risk. Research and clinical experience suggest certain personality types are more prone to developing neurodermatitis, said Yosipovitch. These include having stronger tendencies to conform or be a people pleaser, to hold in emotions, or to be excessively dutiful.

    Neurodermatitis can also be triggered by tight clothing , bug bites, nerve injury and dry skin.

    Also Check: How To Cure Eczema Around Eyes

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular