Dyshidrotic Eczema

Howdy,
About 2 years ago i moved off to college in Tallahassee, FL. Since then i've been havin some skin problems. I used to break out in rashes all over but now thats gone. But one thing really hasnt left. Its these patches on my fingers on both of my hands. They tend to have little clear bubble pop up then it dries up and my skin begins to crack and bleed, quite painful. It is especially bad on the outsides of my pinkies on both hands. It becomes super itchy and dry. Also, it has caused my fingernails to start to pit and not have the natural shine they used to have. I did some research and asked my Dermatologist and found out that it was Dyshidrotic Eczema. I use lotions to try and soften it, but no matter how many times i apply it, it never seems to have much of an affect. I've been told my my Dermatologist that i need to use fragrant free stuff and i use Gold Bond Lotion with aloe. It seems to be the only thing that helps somewhat. The doctor gave me a topical cream, Halobetasol Propionate. It used to clear it up quickly but now it doesnt seem to work too well. I've been starting to take a Multivitamin and Also Vitamin E along with Fish Oil to help my skin out. It seems to help but is just a temporary fix. I take Claritin for my sinus allergies which started going crazy due to the climate change from central florida. I did some extra research and found out that in recent studies that this sort of Eczema could be caused from a sensitivity to dietary Nickel. Unfortunately, Nickel seems to be in all sorts of foods. This condition didnt start until i came to college though. I have a healthy diet, same as back home yet it still began. I was thinking that stress might be a factor but i dont really stress out anymore. I just want to try and make it go away for longer periods of time. I miss my hands not being sore and bleeding due to the tenderness and cuts that always seem to be upon them. What remedies could you'll recommend to help me if there is anything out there that may help me.
Anything is appreciated.
Thanks

[Ali17312]

I also have dyshidrotic eczema on my hands, and for me it flares up when I use fragrant lotions (Bath and Body Works-type stuff), when I am under stress, or when my hands get sweaty. Before I sought a doctor's advice, I would use anti-itch creams such as Lanacane or Gold Bond. However, once I finally went to the derm. I was prescribed Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1%. It helps stop new vesicles from forming and, if used daily, minimizes the dry skin that tends to come when the blisters heal.
Hope this helps!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Allergic reaction can occur to strong soaps, Solvents, chemicals, certain foods, food additives, plants, metals, cosmetics, even urine and faeces of some animals (dust mites).

Diagnosis of skin allergies includes Skin ***** tests (pricking the skin with a needle or pin containing a small amount of the allergen ('***** Testing' or 'Scratch Testing'), Patch tests (by applying a patch to the skin, where the patch contains the allergen.)And RAST.

Treatment includes avoidance of the allergen, oral antihistaminics; topical application of corticosteroids.You may try application of calamine on the affected site. It may work by soothing the skin.Also keep your skin moisturized by applying plenty of fragrance free moisturizers.

Pls seek an appointment with a dermatologist for your complete examination and for figuring out the allergen to which you have allergy.
I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[EGIV]

I have the same issue.  Be sure to have your palms checked for a fungal infection as well.  This may be a secondary cause and can be easily treated.  After I had been suffering with more and more frequently occurring episodes (from the age of 10 to about 16), I found a dermatologist who helped me a great deal. My doctor just scraped a bit of skin (painless) and examined it under a microscope.  She found a fungal infection that had been lurking for years.  It was one I had gotten from being outside (by touching a tree or plant).  My own research about dyshidrotic eczema found that it is often related to an underlying fungal infection.  Treating the fungal infection significantly decreased the recurrence of my dyshidrotic eczema (from multiple break outs each year to once every two years or so.)  In addition, topical steroid creams help when there is a flare up.  Specifically, I use Temovate when I have a flare up and it helps a lot.  I still have to be really careful with stress, any type of fragrance, etc. because I still have dyshidrotic eczema, but the underlying fungal infection was aggravating it and I had no idea.

Good luck!