Category Archives: Eczema

In 2006, the world consumed more than 3.5 billion gallons of oil per day. A lot of that oil has caused environmental damage and conflicts between nations. But there is one type of oil thats green, sustainable, healthy, andas far as I knowhas never been the rationale behind a major military intervention: tea tree oil Continue reading →

By Laura Dolgy (bio below) Do you ever experience itchy or swollen eyelids? Although eyelid eczema can be caused by a variety of external or internal factors, most cases are characterized by itching, stinging and/or burning. Continue reading →

DyshidrosisSynonymsAcute vesiculobullous hand eczema,[1] dyshidrotic dermatitis,[2] cheiropompholyx,[3] dyshidrotic eczema,[3] pompholyx,[3] podopompholyx[3]The characteristic vesicles of dyshidrosis on a fingerPronunciationSpecialtyDermatologySymptomsItchy blisters on the palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet[5]ComplicationsSkin thickening[6]Usual onsetOften recurrent[7]DurationHeal over 3 weeks[6][7]CausesUnknown[7]Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms[7]Differential diagnosisPustular psoriasis, scabies[6]TreatmentAvoiding triggers, barrier cream, steroid cream, antihistamines[6][7]Frequency~1 in 2,000 (Sweden)[6] Dyshidrosis, is a type of dermatitis, that is characterized by itchy blisters on the palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet.[5] Blisters are generally one to two millimeters in size and heal over three weeks.[6][7] However, they often recur.[7] Redness is not usually present.[6] Repeated attacks may result in fissures and skin thickening.[6] The cause is unknown.[7] Triggers may include allergens, physical or mental stress, frequent hand washing, or metals.[7] Diagnosis is typically based on what it looks like and the symptoms.[7] Allergy testing and culture may be done to rule out other problems.[7] Other conditions that produce similar symptoms include pustular psoriasis and scabies.[6] Avoiding triggers may be useful as may a barrier cream.[6] Treatment is generally with steroid cream.[7] High strength steroid creams may be required for the first week or two.[6] Antihistamines may be used to help with the itch.[7] If this is not effective steroid pills, tacrolimus, or psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) may be tried.[6][7] About 1 in 2,000 people are affected in Sweden.[6] Males and females appear to be affected equally.[6] It explains about one in five cases of hand dermatitis.[8] The first description was in 1873.[6] The name comes from the word "dyshidrotic," meaning "difficult sweating," as problems with sweating was once believed to be the cause.[6] Dyshidrosis has been described as having the following characteristics: Advanced stage of dyshidrosis on the fingers Advanced stage of palmar dyshidrosis on the palm showing cracked and peeling skin Advanced stage of dyshidrosis on the foot. Rim of scale on the palmar surface of the thumb from a resolving dyshidrotic flare The exact causes of dyshidrosis are unknown. In 2013, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study by the University Medical Center Groningen reported that dyshydrosis outbreaks on the hands increased significantly among those allergic to house dust mites, following inhalation of house dust mite allergen.[14] Food allergens may be involved in certain cases.[11] Cases studies have implicated a wide range of foods including tuna, tomato, pineapple, chocolate, coffee, and spices among others.[11] A number of studies have implicated balsam of Peru.[11] Id reaction and irritant contact dermatitis are possible causes.[8] Dyshidrosis is diagnosed clinically, by gathering a patient's history and making careful observations (see signs and symptoms section).[7] Severity of symptoms can also be assessed using the dyshidrotic eczema area and severity index (DASI).[15] The DASI has been designed for clinical trials and is not typically used in practice Continue reading →

The most frustrating thing about eczema isnt that it appears in dry, flaky patches that make the skin itch like crazy. Or the fact that, after decades of study, researchers still haven't figured out what causes the condition, which is also known as atopic dermatitis. Continue reading →

Diagnosis No lab test is needed to identify atopic dermatitis (eczema). Your doctor will likely make a diagnosis by examining your skin and reviewing your medical history Continue reading →

Eczema facts What is eczema? Rather than a specific health condition, eczema is a reaction pattern that the skin produces in a number of diseases Continue reading →

Eczema (eg-zuh-MUH) is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. Eczema is very common. In fact, more than 30 million Americans have some form of eczema. Continue reading →

Diagnosis No lab test is needed to identify atopic dermatitis (eczema). Your doctor will likely make a diagnosis by examining your skin and reviewing your medical history. He or she may also use patch testing or other tests to rule out other skin diseases or identify conditions that accompany your eczema. Continue reading →

What Is the Treatment for Early and Mild Eczema? Treatment for eczema can be managed at home by changing laundry detergents or soaps that may be causing the irritant. Avoid tight-fitting or rough clothing Continue reading →

How do dermatologists diagnose dyshidrotic eczema? When dyshidrotic eczema (DE) flares, a dermatologist can diagnose it by looking at your skin. Your dermatologist will also ask about your medical history, work, hobbies, and recent stress level Continue reading →