tiny blisters on my hand

[Nstolpe]

I am a Hair stylist.  I get these tiny littl blisters on my hands and i used to think it was an allergic reaction to the chemicals.  I wear gloves while using chemicals but it seems like it gets better when i take time off work.  I recently was told(not by a professional) that it could be Anhidrotic Ecxyma if so, is there a cure that will allow me to continue to work as a  hair stylist?  I got a steroid shot that really helped but i dont think i could get those regularly, could I?

[tjfong46]

what can alleviate the intense itching?

ive tried cold compresses, topical and oral steroids and the blisters and itching wont go away.  ive had eczema for all of my life but for the last 2 months it's gotten worse.  my dermatologist said it was dyshidrotic dermatitis and prescribed meds that put me to sleep.  studying and sleeping at night are almost impossible because of the itching.  what remedies can i use?  i wonder if american medicines vs. chinese medicines would make a difference.

will this ever go away?  regular eczema camd and went, this seems to be more chronic than acute.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you are describing dyshidrotic eczema.  This may be aggravated by frequent hand-washing and the use of chemicals, but it isn't caused by them.  Most people who do your kind of work can quiet the rash easily enough by using topical creams.  I don't recommend injections and pills, because it's a chronic condition, and internal treatments aren't safe for chronic use.  You should see a skin doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff