Do you often develop blistering rash on your fingers and palms? It could be a type of dermatitis that is known as dyshidrotic eczema or simply dyshidrosis. Naturally, it’s something that can make you want to scratch and pop those itchy blisters, but doing so can only make things worse — it can cause cracked and painful skin areas!
Allowing a doctor to see your condition during a flare up can help determine whether or not it is actually dyshidrosis you are suffering from. Most likely, he or she will recommend orally-taken antihistamines to save you from the desire to scratch. Unfortunately, this skin condition is something that tends to come back.
So aside from taking the antihistamines prescribed by your doctor, you may also carry out a few home remedies for this very itchy and sometimes painful problem. The following are some of the things that you may do in order to keep the unfavorable symptoms of dyshidrosis to a minimum during a very unfortunate flare up:
- Minimize contact with water. Of course it’s important for you to wash your hands as necessary. To help save the skin condition from worsening, wash your hands with mild soap that’s free of fragrances.
- Use lukewarm water only. Refrain from exposing your hands to hot water as it will only exacerbate the problem. When hand washing or taking a bath, opt for lukewarm water.
- Alternating warm and cold compress. When the itching is severe and you don’t want to take an antihistamine, you can control the symptoms with the help of alternating wet warm compress and wet cold compress.
- Keep your hands moisturized. Experts recommend the application of mineral oil or petroleum jelly to provide a moisture barrier. Thick hand lotion devoid of unwanted chemicals can also do the trick.
- Refrain from using strong household cleaning products. If you have to do some cleaning during a flare up, opt for mild household cleaning products only. Putting on rubber gloves can be very beneficial.
- Immerse the hands in vinegar. Many people with dyshidrosis swear by the effectiveness of a vinegar soak. For this home remedy, you may dilute equal amounts of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water, and immerse your hands in the solution for up to 15 minutes.
- Soak your hands in baking soda solution. It’s also a good idea to leave your hands soaked in a bowl of cold water with a tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in it to attain immediate relief.
- Discontinue wearing jewelry. During a flare up, consider keeping your jewelry in the organizer until everything’s clear. If putting on jewelry is something that cannot be avoided, just make sure that they are clean. Also, try to keep wearing times as short as possible.
- Never scratch those blisters. Last but not least, fight off the urge to scratch your hands. Otherwise, you will only make those blisters pop, giving way to skin that’s dry, cracked and definitely painful!
Do the above home remedies to save your skin condition from becoming worse. Also, it is a good idea to follow these additional tips in order to minimize flare ups:
- Avoid being stressed. Stress is regarded as trigger for dyshidrosis and many other skin conditions.
- Never wear jewelry with metals you are allergic to. Nickel, cobalt and chromium are well-known triggers.
- Keep your hands clean. However, do remember to moisturize afterwards to prevent dryness.
- Wear protective gloves. Put on the right kinds of gloves when doing the dishes, gardening, etc.
- Have a healthy diet. A flare up usually coincides with an allergy, so keep your immune system strong.
