Dyshidrotic dermatitis is an allergic inflammatory disease of the upper and middle layer of the skin. It belongs to the category of chronic diseases of the eczematous type, characterized by persistence of manifestation throughout the life of the patient who is diagnosed with the disease. The disease, despite the fact that it is very difficult to cure, is characterized by frequent relapses. The form of manifestation of dyshidrotic dermatitis, most often, is a characteristic rash on the hands. In rare cases, rashes are observed on the feet.
The disease also has a second name format, better known as eczema. At the moment of activity of inflammatory processes, the dermis is affected by dyshidrotic dermatitis on the arms and legs. The disease can be observed in both children and adults. The physiological feature of the manifestation of the disease is that in women the disease is more often observed at a young age, while in men it can manifest itself well beyond 30. Photo of dyshidrotic dermatitis on the hands looks unpleasant.
Features of the disease
Dyshidratosis, or, as is commonly called, eczema, manifests itself in the form of edema, redness and rashes, more like vesicles. The disease is not contagious and is not transmitted to healthy people through contact. In 80% of the disease affects areas of the skin of the hands, and above, to the ulna. Only 20% of patients have skin lesions in the areas of the feet.
A feature of childhood dyshidratosis is the fact that they most often suffer from babies who have a marked predisposition to hereditary allergic diseases and diathesis. The most difficult age for the development of the disease in children is a period of up to three years. Older children have a relatively stable immune system, and this factor is one of the vulnerabilities that doctors note.
Causes of Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
Doctors, despite the fact that the disease has been several thousand years old, have not been able to find out the true causes of eczema. The only thing that is established precisely is a number of factors that can provoke the development of a disease:
- disruption of the immune system;
- hormonal disruptions;
- a consequence of nervous stress, malfunctioning of the central nervous system, a consequence of apathy;
- problems with the digestive tract;
- disturbances in the digestive system;
- allergic diseases of a hereditary or acquired nature.
There is also an opinion that increased sweating in the areas of the palms and feet can also cause the development of dyshidrotic dermatitis. Doctors note that in a large percentage of patients the disease has developed along the hereditary line. Agents of aggressive properties can become provocateurs of the next surge: household chemicals, exposure to other chemicals, poor-quality cosmetics. Dyshidrotic dermatitis may also appear on the face, the photo is presented below.
Clinical manifestations
Experts note the phased development of eczema:
- There is a change in the form of the appearance of edema, redness.
- Symptoms worsen in the form of a burning sensation in the affected area.
- The next stage is the appearance of small vesicles in areas of the skin in which there is a clear liquid. Vesicles are initially small, but they tend to grow, and they form in small groups of colonies.
- A feature of vesicles is their growth not only on the surface of the skin, but also in the middle of the soft layers.
- Small groups can, growing, turn into one continuous skin affected by the disease. Merging together, in place of small vesicles appears one huge, which is difficult to treat.
- After the vesicles mature and the fluid flows from small sores, the surface of the dermis affected by the disease constantly remains wet.
- The surface exposed by erosion constantly itches, itches, and does not cease to produce wet substance.
- Sores and combs can trigger an infectious disease.
- After some time, the surface of the skin comparatively dries up, after which the dermis is covered with a crust.
- When the crust exfoliates, at the place of its formation, the entire affected area of the skin begins to peel off.
Additional symptoms
Erosion processes can trigger the appearance of other symptoms:
- malaise;
- temperature rise;
- an increase in lymph nodes located in the immediate vicinity of the site affected by eczema.
Healing of bleeding sites occurs very slowly, a rough brown crust appears in their place. Frequent relapses lead to the fact that the affected areas of the skin coarsen and make the dermis less sensitive. Also, the affected areas are characterized by increased fragility, they often crack, bleed.
Diagnosis of the disease
The disease is easily diagnosed due to its appearance. With eczema, a frequent occurrence is disappearance and the same sudden appearance of characteristic symptoms - the local nature of the rashes. Nevertheless, the disease has similarities with similar manifestations:
- atopic dermatitis;
- dyshidrotic mycosis;
- Palmar-plantar psoriasis.
These manifestations are included in the general category of ailments, nevertheless, the medical substances used to treat them can differ significantly in their effect.
Treatment methods
Treatment of dyshidrotic dermatitis in the arms and legs should be comprehensive. Experts advise combining medications with traditional medicine. A feature of the treatment is the return of the normal appearance of the skin and clarification of the reasons that could provoke the active development of the disease. Initially, internal problems are clarified, leading to malfunctions in the work of other organs and systems. The following methods are used in treatment:
- The use of complex drugs as therapy.
- The use of ointments and creams as topical drugs.
- Diet or exclusion from the diet of foods that are high in fat, pepper and seasoning, which can cause a response.
- Compliance with the daily routine.
Experts advise using systemic therapy as a comprehensive treatment for eczema. Antihistamine drugs and substances that reduce sensitization are prescribed. Additionally, enterosorbents can be prescribed, the task of which is to remove toxic substances from the body.
If the patient has increased nervousness, doctors are advised to undergo a full course of treatment with drugs that have a sedative effect. In the presence of inflammatory processes, non-steroidal substances are prescribed, which, localizing the site, act as an antiseptic. If the case of the disease is complicated, experts recommend using hormonal substances for treatment. Although they are used in a shortened course of treatment, if necessary, vitamin and mineral complexes are used as auxiliary preparations.
Local therapy
Together with systemic substances, experts advise the mandatory use of drugs, the action of which is directed locally. For such purposes, ointments, creams, and other products that are applied directly to the place where there is irritation are suitable:
- talkers with a drying effect;
- ointments containing elements of a drying, antiseptic and restorative nature;
- lotions, prepared on the basis of furatsilina, boric acid solution, Burov liquid;
- antiseptic substances such as "Fucorcin."
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy refers to auxiliary methods of treating skin diseases. They include:
- laser therapy;
- paraffin treatments;
- electrophoresis;
- creotherapy.
Additional treatments and activities
A feature of the disease is the fact that skin that has been affected by eczema cannot be moisturized. For housekeeping and work, it is advisable to use rubber gloves at the time of inflammation, to exclude synthetic clothing, including socks and shirts. To clean the skin, it is recommended to use substances that contain emollients.
Nutritionists advise with particular care to create a menu of products that will help cleanse the body of harmful substances and toxins. A prerequisite for a diet is the correct use of water. Experts recommend drinking at least 2 liters per day. An important circumstance at the time of treatment is proper rest, sleep, active outdoor activities. Even when the disease is relatively unrestricted, experts advise from time to time to take measures to prevent skin diseases.
If possible, you can use the spa treatment. Holidays in the sanatorium, therapeutic mud and salt baths, massage, hydrotherapy and much more will help to forget about dermatitis for a long time. It is better to choose a medical sanatorium in the place where the humid marine climate. This will have a beneficial effect not only on the skin, but also on the body as a whole.