How to Get Rid Of Dyshidrotic Eczema on Fingers?

There are some types of a skin condition what we call as eczema. But when it comes to the issue of itching on the fingers or if the common affected skin is fingers, dyshidrotic dermatitis is the answer – though theoretically all kinds of eczema can have a chance to spread and attack any part of the skin.

The ways to get rid of the problem is dependent on the severity of the problem itself and other factors.

Some treatments are designed to be topically applied on the affected skin. However, the use of pills (taken orally) can be prescribed by doctors in severe cases. This option is usually required if the problem is difficult to be approached by the topical option.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis – what actually is it?

In general, it is characterized by fluid-filled, very small blisters that affect the sides of the fingers, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. If compared with other types of eczema, it is relatively less common (particularly if compared with atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema)).

Many times, the size of blisters in people with dyshidrotic dermatitis is small – and they typically can appear in clusters with the width of a pencil lead and a showing similar to tapioca.

But when the problem gets worse, those small blisters can merge together to become larger. And like most things in eczema, the affected skin can be so itchy or even may become painful.

What are the causes?

Like other types of eczema, there is still no clearly answer for the exact cause of dyshidrotic dermatitis.

However, experts believe that it can be associated with atopic dermatitis as well as hay fever or other allergic conditions. It seems to appear and flare up certain times of the year.

What are the risk factors?

While the exact cause is still unclear and not fully understood, but there are some risk factors. The following factors or conditions can put someone at high risk of developing dyshidrotic dermatitis:

  1. Having a personal history of hay fever. It may appear like a common cold. But while a cold is usually triggered by virus, hay fever can occur due to the allergic response to allergens (either indoor or outdoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, or pollen).
  2. Stress. Actually, it is unclear whether stress has an effect in increasing the risk, but in fact many people with eczema find that stress can be a trigger factor or make the symptoms get worse.
  3. Having a sensitive skin. And in the case of eczema on the palms of hands or fingers, it is more likely to occur if your hands are often in moist or water.
  4. Frequently exposure to certain unfriendly substances /chemicals such as nickel, chromium, or cobalt.

How to get rid of it on fingers?

The urge of scratching is one of the uncomfortable sensations. While scratching may help satisfy what you fell, but actually it doesn’t help to improve the problem.

Therefore, many treatments for eczema are also designed to provide a reduction in itching. To cope with the urge of itching, there are some anti-itch medicines.

Claritin (loratiadine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are some common choices to help control the urge of scratching. These medicines are taken orally.

image_illustration117In the case of when you often scratch the affected skin when you sleep, you can take these medicines before bed. Applying the cool, wet compresses may also be helpful to reduce itching.

The use of creams or ointments is also often recommended to cope with the problem and speed the recovery. These creams /ointments can be topically applied on the hands and the affected skin two times a day or each time after washing hands.

The question, which one of cream /ointment you should use? The answer may vary, but in general, the following are helpful suggestions:

  1. It is usually more recommended to use creams instead of lotions since the use of lotions are not as thicker as creams. The use of creams like Lubriderm or Eucerin may help.
  2. For ointments, heavy ointments are often recommended. Perhaps you tend to choose and use vegetable /mineral shortening, but be careful because it can be messy!

The use of corticosteroids for eczema treatment is common. It can be a cream /ointment or a pill.

The topical option with corticosteroids is usually for mil-medium severity of eczema. But if the problem gets larger and poor with topical option, corticosteroid pills (can be taken orally) may be prescribed.

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