Since moving to a warmer climate country a number of years ago, every summer, I developed small blisters on the sides of fingers along with itching of the affected area. Unsure of what this was I visited a doctor and dermatologist and I was diagnosed with dyshidrotic eczema, and prescribed a cortisone cream to apply to affected areas. I was also advised to keep the hands moisturized, and also take an antihistamine for the itching.
The symptoms were manageable for the last few years, but the flare up towards the end of July was the worst. Blisters on the sides of all fingers which eventually lifted exposing new skin and drying rapidly. I couldn't make a fist due to the pain and fear of cracking the skin. The symptoms were far worse than what you see in the photos and I almost did anything to help it; spend more time in the sea (the salt water does help), apply the cortisone or cream for atopic skin and applying plenty of Vaseline. It was an awful sight. Eventually the skin dried and and applying plenty of moisturizer helped.
I returned to my home country, milder climate, and my hands cleared up rapidly. Convinced it was the hot weather that caused my problem, but this week in my cold country the symptoms came back. After treating them, the skin has calmed a little and that is what you see now.
I am trying to get to a doctor/dermatologist here in my country to check, give a second opinion, or advise if there could be another underlying condition, but with all the restrictions it ia difficult to get the appointment.
Based on the photos, is this dyshidrotic eczema? Is my treatment method right, or what works for you if you have those symptoms? Are there any home remedies or water solution soaks I can put my hands into?
Anything to help. At its worst, it is unsightly and painful and I fear it is getting worse as the years go by, given what I experienced these last couple of weeks I fear if the symptoms get worse it could temporarily impact the use of my hands.
Many thanks
Saoirse
First indications would be as Judy mentioned as medical advise for something like this would not be appropriate for anyone to advise.
I can understand your dilemma and hopefully you will be able to see a doctor soon.
Did you have dermatologist in your present country before you moved away? If so, I would contact their office and try to make an appointment through teleconference as most doctors have this available as an alternative until restrictions are lifted.
If you did not have a dermatologist then perhaps you had a regular doctor. If so, then maybe try calling their office and see if they can set you up with a dermatologist as doctors do not always make conference calls for new patients.
This could be a beginning.
I feel sure you have already consulted with a local pharmacist but if not, you might ask one for suggestions to see if they have knowledge of any other medications you could try.
Sometimes a soothing warm soak will relieve the discomfort for a little while.
Many doctors recommend a warm Epsom Salt bath just for the soothing effect until one can see a doctor.
Some patients have success with application of UV light rays (phototherapy). There are two types, and must be administered by a doctor on a prescribed frequency.
I have a similar condition, and MG217 cream has been a lifesaver (available at Walgreens in the U.S.).
Lastly, is it possible that you have an undiagnosed/untreated underlying condition? (I did.) I believe that hyperhidrosis may be indicated with dyshidrotic eczema.
Best wishes for a speedy cure or at least sustainable relief from your symptoms.
Thank you all for your feedback and advice. Some interesting comments there.
My brothers wife had recommended epsom salts / magnesium sulphate soak as she uses that on her youngest son as he suffers from eczema. Given that some of the hardened skin had cracked and was sore I didnt go ahead with that.
I ended up going to a pharmacy on Wednesday, and the pharmacist took a look at my hands. I mentioned that I was given a cortisone as treatment, but this was too harsh. She said she has seen my condition before, but only with those who worked with chemicals, she gave me an example of a woman who worked in salon / hairdressers, and she had it all over her hands. She gave me a cream containing miconazole nitrate, to apply once daily on affected areas. I am on my 3rd day and my symptoms have completely cleared, my skin has repaired, and it is the softest it is has been in a few years. There is no sign of the bubbles coming up under my skin, which was always the case with the cirtosones cycle of symtoms, relief, repair.
The cream itself mentions that it is an anti-fungal cream. The pharmacist said not to read too much into that. But as mentioned above it could indicate another underlying condition.
I spoke to my old doctor yesterday and he has agreed to see me on Monday next week for a consultation so we'll see what he advises and possible tests I can do to diagnose the condition.
Nonetheless, I am so happy with this cream. The difference in the 4 days of my first post and now is something else.
In answer to a few other comments above:
- Go to the doctor for consultation -scheduled for Monday.
- Did I go to a dermatologist in my home country before I moved away? I never had the condition before I moved away. This was one of the reasons why I associated this condition with the hot weather, and I was mostly symptom free during the colder months of winter. My mother mentioned that when I was younger I used to get rashes on the back of my hands apperantly caused by the sun and cortisone was used to clear up the rash.
It will be interesting to see if I remain symotom free when I return to the balmy 40 degree heat in a couple of weeks.
It looks like I found a cream that works for me, but the words 'anti fungal cream' are ringing in my ears. I'll chat to my doctor on Monday.
Thank you all and have a great weekend
You may want to find a Facebook support group if you have access to Facebook. When I put Dyshidrotic Eczema in the search bar, there are over 1 dozen groups that show. Look to see if there is one for your country and you will locate people who are having the same issues. Prayers for healing!
I suffered with Eczema for years and was given creams. It worked for a little time . I tried ozonol, the ointment . I would put it on at night when l was going to bed, slept with my hands on top of the sheets all night. In morning. What a difference. I also tried it with plastic gloves and it works very good also. I did put alot on. It is worth a try. It worked for me.Not bothered much today with itchy hands and no cracks where it would bleed. I am so happy l tried ozonol. I do think it is worth a try and you have nothing to lose. So if you do try it please ,let me know how it turns out. Here is hoping all will be well for you. Arlene
