Home Remedies for Dyshidrotic Eczema: Eczema is characterized by red, dry, scaly and itchy skin. It isn’t a single condition but instead a group of skin conditions including the likes of atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, contact dermatitis, stasis dermatitis and nummular eczema. Eczema generally appears in young children and infants most of the time. Although the initial outbreaks of eczema occur in infants more often, the onset can occur at just about any time, even in adults.
Dyshidrotic eczema or DE in short is a common group of skin conditions wherein the skin is unable to function well to protect itself. This results in dry, itchy and scaly skin. In some cases, small, deep blisters may also surface, particularly on the hands and feet. These blisters, in addition to being extremely itchy and painful will leave the skin red, dry and cracked, once they are cleared out.
The truth is, there is no permanent cure for DE, so flares can show up whenever they feel like! In some cases, stress and temperature rise may result in recurrent DE. DE flares range from mild to debilitating. Before we proceed to the home remedies for dyshidrotic eczema, we think you should learn more about the condition.
This common skin disease goes by many names, including:
- Pedopompholyx (affects the feet)
- Cheiropompholyx (affects the hands)
- Vesicular palmoplantar eczema
- Dyshidrosis
- Foot-and-hand eczema
- Dyshidrotic dermatitis
- Vesicular eczema
- Pompholyx
Causes of Dyshidrotic Eczema
The causes of dyshidrotic eczema differ from individual to individual- in some people, it’s caused by a nutritional deficiency, in others, it’s caused by allergens.
All in all, here are some of the most common causes of dyshidrotic eczema:
- Chronic stress
- Dry skin and sensitive skin that cracks
- Temperature changes
- Immune system dysfunction
- Allergies to foods, beauty products, laundry detergents or other chemical allergies
- Environmental conditions
- Gene variation that affects skin
Symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema to Watch Out For
Here are some symptoms to see if eczema has gotten the better of you:
- Itchy bumps which are small and which steadily develop rashes consisting of vesicles which are blisters filled with fluid.
- Excessive itching
- With large blisters, there is pain – not so much with smaller blisters
- Fissures which or grooves or cracks on your toes or fingers
- Blisters that normally last about 3 weeks
Although there is no permanent cure to DE, there are some natural remedies that you can experiment with to help control the condition and possibly prevent it from coming back. Here are some home remedies for Dyshidrotic Eczema:
6 Home Remedies for Dyshidrotic Eczema to Experiment with
1. Cold compress
Cold compresses relieve itching and burning sensations that are characteristic to eczema. This therapy also reduces the inflammation of the blisters which numbs the irritated nerve endings, thereby alleviating a large percentage of the pain.
For this remedy:
- Soak a clean, soft cloth in cold water and place it in the fridge for a few hours.
- Wrap this around the affected areas.
- Leave this on for about fifteen minutes, twice or thrice a day.
If you wish for the cold compress to last longer, simply place crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap it in a soft cloth before applying to the affected areas.
Caution: Avoid soaking your inflamed hands or feet in ice or extremely cold water as it can cause shock to your blood vessels and lead to frostbites.
Related: Home remedies for eczema that you should try
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is one of the mildest home remedies for dyshidrotic eczema as it treats inflamed and irritated skin of all types. It has the ability to not only soothe irritated, itchy skin caused by dyshidrotic eczema, but also aids in significantly speeding up the healing process. Aloe vera also comes with antimicrobial properties, which is helpful in cases where eczema is triggered by fungal or bacterial infections. Its also contains polysaccharides which hydrate the skin and keep it moisturized through the day.
For this remedy:
- Break off a leaf of aloe vera and apply the thick gel directly onto your irritated skin.
- Alternatively, you could also buy a bottle of pure aloe gel from a pharmacy. For best effects, place the gel in the refrigerator and apply it while it is cool.
Related: Molluscum Contagiosum home remedy to try
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great home remedy for soothing irritated skin as it has the ability to reduce inflammation and itchiness, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Oatmeal is also typically used in the treatment of most skin conditions such as acne, rash or dry skin.
Remedy I:
- Make a batch of oatmeal, but make sure it is not too thick.
- Cool it for a few hours in the fridge.
- Apply this directly onto the inflamed skin, allowing it to dry.
- Rinse it off under running water, but do it gently because oatmeal also acts as a mild exfoliator.
Remedy II
- Obtain finely ground oatmeal.
- Mix it with some cool water in a small basin.
- Soak your hands or feet for 15-20 minutes on a daily basis.
Related: How to get rid of scabies at home?
4. Reduce the temperature of your bath
Reduce the temperature of your baths and showers in order to avoid further dryness. Hot water baths and showers are often the major contributing factor to dry and irritated skin. This is due to the fact that hot water can easily remove and wash the natural oils off your skin that is highly essential to keep it moisturized. Hot baths also tend to pull moisture from your skin, especially if you use bath salts.
Having said that, always opt for cool or lukewarm baths and showers. Spend at least 15 minutes in a cool bath on a regular basis to keep eczema under control. Buy a shower nozzle filter that filters out chemicals in water that can irritate skin, such as chlorine and nitrites.
Related: How to get rid of heat rash?
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is deserves a special mention in our list of home remedies for dyshidrotic eczema, because it is a tried and tested remedy that improves skin, hair and overall health. Simply apply the oil all over your hands, palms, and soles- basically the affected areas. Leave it on until your skin absorbs the oil completely. Soon after, wash it off. Repeat this process until you notice a difference in your condition.
Related: Natural home remedies to get rid of baby acne
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
You probably saw this one coming because there is almost no skin condition that apple cider vinegar cannot control. Apple cider vinegar has a number of applications, in particular, dyshidrotic eczema.
Remedy I
- Mix in apple cider vinegar and water in equal amounts.
- Soak the affected areas in this solution.
Remedy II
- Mix in a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass full of water.
- Drink this thrice a day.
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Keep in mind that this condition calls for constant medical attention. These home remedies for dyshidrotic eczema may not entirely help in curing it, but can surely keep the condition under control. Also, remember that no matter how itchy it gets, you’re doing yourself a huge favor by refraining from itching.
