Saturday, September 19, 2009

Dyshidrotic Eczema Pictures

Based on my previous post about dyshidrotic eczema, also known as dyshidrosis, I thought it would be good to include some dyshidrotic eczema pictures for anyone that may be curious as to how it differs from the “garden-variety” eczema. Believe you me, neither condition is a “picnic”, but judging from the photos I have seen and collected from around the web, dyshidrosis is a mean mamma-jamma. Again, I have personally experienced the red bumps that can almost ache sometimes, and I have experienced the rash outbreaks that seem to literally spread like wildfire. Word to the wise—if it’s itching, do your best NOT to scratch it—it’s like throwing gasoline on a fire. I learned this the hard way. The only thing your mind is focused on during this time (usually) is how to stop the doggone itching, so you do the most natural thing, and that’s to scratch it, but let me tell you, all that will do is make other areas of your skin nearby all of a sudden start itching as well. Before you know it, areas that were perfectly fine are now being “inflamed”, and it’s literally a case where the more you scratch, the more you’ll find areas that need scratching. It’s truly a “Catch-22”, and it sucks to high heavens. But even then, I’m still only talking about the “regular” level of eczema (if there is such a thing). In terms of dyshidrotic eczema, there are so many cases that I found to be much worse than mine, in a weird way I feel grateful for having only experienced a still somewhat limited amount of the skin problem. At any rate, here are some pictures of the severity of dyshidrotic eczema:



dyshidrotic eczema




dyshidrotic hand eczema




dyshidrotic eczema pictures




Wow…notice the extreme peeling and cracking that come from dyshidrosis…this is truly some mean stuff. Some of those photos made me wince in pain just looking at them. It’s truly unfortunate that some people have had to go through this kind of skin condition…the worse part is that not too many experts have yet agreed upon the true origin of the problem. Again, I believe that one of the biggest areas to explore would be how stress such as anxiety, frustration, anguish, bitterness, etc. affects the physical body in such a serious manner. I have read many times over that people who internalized their stress can have more physical problems than people who “let it all out” and keep nothing held in. But, that’s a topic for possibly another post…I just wanted to post some of these photos so that you could match an image with a term…true indeed, these dyshidrotic eczema pictures are sobering and somewhat hard to look at, but it’s good to get a true picture of what some people are suffering through.

108 comments:

  1. After trying corticosteroids, which provide only temporary and unsatisfactory results, I found a much better way to deal with dyshidrosis.

    First, I soak my hands in mild, warm (but not hot) ginger tea every night. I make the tea with one ginger capsule and a cup of boiling, distilled water. Again, be sure and let the water cool to where it is comfortably warm.

    Second, I always use distilled water when I clean my hands. You can bottle your own distilled water at Wal-Mart, or you can buy a water distiller at Amazon.com. (Read the reviews for tips on how to use it.) I keep a coke bottle filled with distilled water next to the bathroom sink.

    Third, when I shower, I wear medical exam gloves. These are also available at Wal-Mart cheaply. I change gloves about once per week. Don't let hard water touch your hands.

    Fourth, I wear gloves or rubber finger tips when I read.

    Finally, fifth and perhaps most importantly, I do not let the skin become overly dry. Use moisturizers. I use a small amount of Aloe Vesta cream in the morning. At night, after the treatment with ginger tea, I use a little bit of Aveeno Baby cream.

    Keep experimenting. Everyone is different. Don't let anyone tell you that you are powerless.

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    1. Inflammation stretches skin of hands and causes itching; you can control itching with very warm water which "over-stretches" skin on hands, then when hands cool, itching is much less; then put cortisone cream on hands to retain moisture; if there is mild infection in rash, you may need to add some antibiotic cream to the cortisone cream; rash will clear completely in days to weeks by avoiding ALL forms of corn--read food labels! Good luck! It took me 25 years to realize corn was the culprit!

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    2. table SALT SCRUB affected area = best treatment.

      I’ve recently developed dyshidrotic eczma on my right foot and then my hands. I don’t have any food allergies that I know of but I have been under a lot stress recently. I don’t know the cause yet.
      When I went to see the dermatologist he wasn’t very helpful. Tried various creams, iodine soaks etc didn’t work and didn’t help with the itch and the pain. I went to see my GP and she gave a cephalexin (antibiotic) to relieve my secondary infection. when I took the antibiotics for 2 weeks i noticed that the blisters turned yellow by the end of 2 weeks most of then turned hard like scabs. Eventually, they became scaly and I picked them off. I was clean for 3 or 4 month. Then, i noticed another pop up on my right foot again.
      I knew taking antibiotics wasn’t the solution as that could really screw up my immune system in large dose. So I decided to use table salt to scrub the affected area twice a day for 3-5 min.
      I used salt because I personally think the “Eczma” is actually fungus of some sort, a variation of athlete’s foot. After 2/3 days i noticed they started to change in color to yellow, and dried up and became hard.(I did for a week) the salt scrub stops the spread! and killed the existing blisters.

      I know it may not be cure the root source but it certainly helped me a lot.

      I searched journals and one of the publication reported that cephalexin does help in treating Dyschidrotic eczema. But if you ask me salt is the way to go.

      If salt works for you please share.

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    3. What helped me was to put my hands in a bleach and water rinse.
      maybe it killed fungus,i just know if I did it once a day it helped a lot.
      yes it hurts,but worth it. then I used a strong steroid crème. Prednisone works great,cant live on it tho.

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  2. I to suffer from this and we have yet to keep it undercontroll I only have it on my feet not on my hands at all. It is extremely sore and my feet look about 10times worse then the pictures that you have on this website.

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  3. I also suffer from this awful skin condition. I have it on my hands and feet. I wear closed in shoes a lot so no one notice how bad my feet looks. I have also been perscribed creams and nothing works. There has to be a cure or were doomed.

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    1. Try honey :) it's a natural anti-inflammatory substance, readily available product. I think it's even antiseptic which means if you have a secondary infection it can help with that too. Let's talk about Nickel, i switched my door knobs to brass and suddenly the rate at which I suffer has greatly diminished. Now if only the rest of the word would be so kind. Not sure about the feet thing, but I'm gonna say give up the flip flops or anything with a metallic sole. I think heavy carpeting would also be an irritant.

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  4. I am interested in hearing from others who have dyshidrotic eczema. I have had it for 2 1/2 years, pretty much nonstop. I flare up, ooze, crack/dry, peel, start to heal and then it starts over before I can get totally healed. Now, I just experienced almost 2 months eczema free after deciding to cut out white flour, sugar and most food with preservatives or chemicals in them. I have now flared up again, but now just on my hands instead of both hands and feet. I think it is from possibly eating something different. I keep experimenting with what I eat. I also take 100 mg of Zoloft daily which helps with anxiety issues since this condition is also emotionally draining. I used to be on Cellcept but stopped taking it due to side effects. Also prednisone and steroid injections. Oh, and let's not leave out all the ointments and creams. I stopped all treatment and have now decided holistic is the way to go. I seriously don't feel that doctors take it seriously enough and they are in it for $$$, not to find a cure. I suffered from asthma as a child and still have it but have seen great improvements. I believe eczema is directly linked to asthma, allergies and stress/anxiety. Feel free to contact me! I am very interested in networking with other patients.

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    1. Hi Nancy,

      It's July 2012 and I am hoping you're still looking for people to network with regarding this topic.

      I am undiagnosed but certain I have dyshidrotic eczema. I can't see my derm doctor until late October as she is all booked up. I have rocesea (< I 4get how to spell that) and other derm problems so hey why not this too.

      I feel very frustrated. I live in the country and our house has a well which serves up more minerals than h2o : ( Guess, I will have to try the gloves in the shower.

      Any way, just rambling a bit because I feel so alone and dang bummed out.
      KR

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    2. do what...my husband does not have asthma never has. Zoloft isn't that a crazy person drug??

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    3. Sorry I know this was posted nearly 3 months ago but this caught my eye. No Zoloft is not a "crazy person" drug. It is used to treat anxiety and depression but mostly anxiety. You should in future think very carefully about what you post. Would you say that to a person in the street or family member? It's very insensitive to label people with mental health issues specifically using Zoloft as a crazy person! As a zoloft taker for severe anxiety I can tell you I am not a crazy person! Please in future think before you post dear.

      Anyway my dyshidorotic eczema also flares up during intense periods of stress/anxiety I am currently having what I can only describe as mild flaring and I'm hoping it stays that way.

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    4. Thank you for correcting that very ignorant view on antidepressents! Does this person live under a rock? I not only take them but I am a medical professional who cares for those who do. I also have had dishydrosis for almost 2 years and it is awful! Makes me dread summer. I know it becomes more prevalent toward the middle aged years. As if I wasn't having enough of a midlife crisis. Just makes me feel even less attractive now that I have to hide my feet. My hands just this week started to get bad on my fingers. Up until now I only had one little spot on my palm. I definitely agree about stress. I can always tell. I also very much suspect a yeast issue. Thanks for listening.

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  5. I have suffered from this since i was a small child. Nobody knew why i had all these nasty little blisters all over my hands. I discovered the irritant that caused them was an ingredient in cheap lotions and some hair products that are oily. The more expensive lotions don't irritate. The child's toy "Gooze", that weird blob of squishy stuff, also gave me extreme blisters when i was a kid. But, other times even when I know I haven't touched any triggering substances, I still get them. You can imagine how lucky I felt with cracked red, oozing blistered hands when I got my first job at a restaurant."It's not contagious,no,really, it's not leprosy..." So far nothing has worked except for waiting it out. Sometimes I will go almost a year without any.

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  6. I too have been suffering from this and so has, out of 5-sisters 4-are suffering with this. I have gone to great lengths, and seen a doctor and he diagnost it as psariasis!! Well having going to the health food for sometime. I asked the cleark to look at what was going on and she recommended these: 1-3 thousand milligrams of fish oil-1-3 milligrams of flax-seed oil. and pure vitamin e-oil. In which i use on my feet at night and also on my hands when they are really bad.
    Lately i have been using neosporin and i seen fast results!!! well as we all know tthey will probably flare up again.

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  7. I've had Dishydrotic since I was about 9 (I'm 32 now) I generally have had a large breakout about every 8-9 years. Mine has seemed to dissapate entirely from my feet. and now only get a few blisters on my hands once in a while with the use of the prescription "drysol".
    But now it has moved and I get small breakouts on my face, though my dermatologist says it "impossible" its not. I now have prescription steroids for my face. seems to work a bit. Good luck to everyone!

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  8. I Too have this annoying condition only on 2 fingers that flares up whenever I am under a high amount of stress-and when my diet is high in sugar-processed foods etc--I think there is a direct correlation to yeast overgrowth in the gut to these outbreaks.

    A friend with a similar condition told me to try rubbing dandruff shampoo at night on the affected area until the condition clears up. Also-I've thought of trying an athlete's foot cream-if yeast/fungus could be the culprit-I'm thinking it might work.

    I agree with the other postings that a more holistic approach might work--dietary changes and positive thinking-mediation-and stress release have all helped me.

    I'm going to try the dandruff shampoo idea and post my results. Good luck to you all!

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  9. Please do, Maryann. I appreciate all of you guys for your input!

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  10. well i had 'tinea versicolor" and the dandruff shampoo help me out as soon i put it in my skin for 15 min it went away, i try it in my hands i got "dyshidrotic eczema" but it didnt work i wish they found something that help. ' i found my self hiding my hands alot i got this like for 4years . goodluck everyone

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  11. Count me in on this creepy thing. I'm 56 and I broke out on hands and feet about 7 months ago for the first time. Did the dr thing with prescriptions and light treatments but quit going when no results were evident. I've been taking 300mg of grape seed extract/day for the past 3 weeks, and it seemed to clear a bit, then it came back a few days later with a vengance. I went nuts scratching one night, so that might have something to do with it. I put aloe on at night to sooth it and it helps somewhat. I have an electric pulse device similar to the ones that were advertised on TV for excercising, so last night I decided to shock the he'll out of my hands! I put the electrodes in various places and ran the pulses at extreme rates thinking it might freak the next generation of the blisters out. It felt really good, like itching it without scratching it. I figured it couldn't get worse than it already is, so what the he'll! This morning it isn't itchy so I'll wait to see if I'm on to something for good or bad. I agree that it's probable that stress, perfumed lotions and soaps and diet contribute to it. I'm going to limit my sugar and flour intake if the electrocution approach was as dumb an idea as it sounds right now!

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  12. I am a 44 year old woman who was just diagnosed with this. I have never had anything like this before and not sure why I have it now. I am not under any extra stress and have really had nothing change in my life. I only have this on my hands and it is not nearly as bad as the photos. It basically looks a few blishers/warts here and there. Nothing major but very annoying. Is this ever going to go away? I have had it for about three months now. Any insight is appreciated.

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  13. yeah this stuff sux, strangely my feet broke out as soon as i moved from houston texas to mt veron ohio , then a few years later spread to my hands. they never seem to leave. The 1st break out was the worst.i have found nothin that changes it . but i agree it deffinatley has to do with stress. good luck

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  14. Hi my husband has this on his hands and on his feet, it seems to follow a cycle, with icthing swelling hands and feet, peeling skin and cracking. His hands and feet also go browny yellow and skin hardens before it peels. It is truely driving him nuts, and the Doctor and consultants we have seen so far just give him steroid cream and keep saying its psoriasis.
    If anyone can suggest anything when its in the itchy cracking stage i would truly appreciate it..... Oh, his started 14 months ago after a really bad session of a flu like virus

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    1. My best friend has psoriasis and has all her life. They are not the same thing at 2 different things. Psoriasis is a red patch of skin that has white flakes on the top of the skin.

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  15. I've had type of eczema since I was about 5 years old and I'm now 40. It used to be mainly on my feet but has now progressed to my hands (I rarely get it on my feet any more). I can distinctly remember the doctor making my mum cover my feet in athelets foot treatment which stung like crazy and I used to howl with pain. My poor mum thought she was doing the right thing. I find that keeping my hands well moisturized and also keeping cool makes the world of difference. In hot weather, I keep the air con going all night to avoid me sweating and this keeps it under control. Mind you, I do have a small patch of dried out blisters on my left hand as I type.......... happy days!

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  16. hey i have had this for 12months mine is very intense and looks like the pictures nothing and i mean nothing has worked or made it better it just spreads and gets worse my hands and feet look worse then the pictures as shown it is horrible i go nowhere do nothign and am shamed to show anyone
    i have no idea how long this wil go one for but i am over it and wish there was a cure for all of us the doctors are stupid and no one has any idea what it is but nor do they try and find out anythign about it
    the only thuing that might work for ppl is ADVATAN fatty ointment other then that i have tried everything there is a very harsh drug tht will remove it but the side effects are huge and to me it isnt worth taking them it is called NEOTIGASON google it and have a read
    i cant wear shoes on my feet or anything and some days i cant walk on my feet it hurts tht much i beleive haven this problem causes more stress thinking about it looking at it makes it worse i hope we all get cured one day and it never coems back no one desrves this

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  17. I've had it, first on two middle fingers (Ringman and Tall Man, respectively!) and now just on one, for about 9 months. They have been very stressful months, so maybe that's why.

    But my youngest child gets the same painful little circle-shaped holes on his toes when he's in the bath for any length of time, so maybe we got it from each other.

    I am trying to keep my diet free of too much sugar or white flour, and it seems to work. I had a piece of peach pie last night and woke up with it again, so maybe diet is correlated. I hate this and it's impossible not to scratch when those stupid red bumps come up under the skin again.

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  18. I TOO WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH THIS AWFUL AND EMBARASSING SKIN CONDITION. I WOKE UP ONE MORNING AND HAD A FEW WART LIKE BLISTERS ON MY HAND, THINKING IT WAS NOTHING I IGNORED IT, THE NEXT MORNING I WOKE UP AND THEY HAD MULTIPLIED A LOT. I HAVE THEM ON BOTH HANDS ON FEET AND THEY ARE FAR WORSE THEN THE PICTURES SHOWN ABOVE. I WENT TO 4 DIFFERENT DOCTORS BEFORE BEING DIAGNOSED. I AM NOW TAKING STEROIDS AND USING A STEROID CREAM FOR MY HANDS AND FEET. ASIDE FROM BEING REALLY UGLY, THE BURNING AND ITCHING IS AWFUL MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WONT EVEN HOLD MY HAND ANYMORE, AND I FIND MYSELF HIDING MY HANDS WHEN IM IN PUBLIC BECAUSE I AM TIRED OF PEOPLE ASKING ME WHATS WRONG WITH MY HANDS. THE DERMATOLOGIST SAID THE CREAMS WOULD HELP, AND THAT I SHOULD SEE RESULTS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. AFTER READING EVERYONE ELSES STORY, ALL HOPE IS FADING. WILL THIS EVER GO AWAY OR AM I DOOMED TO HAVE HIDEOUS HANDS AND FEET FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT.

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    1. i had the same problem in my hands and feet, its very itchy too, right? ...what i did is, specially if it was very itchy.... i soak my hands/feet in a warm water in a pan (warm enough that i cant almost handle it) for several minutes until it cools down.....then in another pan...i switch soaking in cold water (with ice cubes-cold enough that you feel numb).....then back again to the hot water pan.....I made this several times in an evening for about seven days until it heals.....I am doing these things during my medication... (seven days antibiotics prescribed by my doctor)...after the soaking i apply the cream, and i wear a cotton gloves when i sleep.

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  19. I did not saw such type of dangerous symptom problem but Eczema symptoms are really worst.Please take care of yourselves

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  20. I have also had this problem for years. It is extremely painful and embarrassing. The steroids did not help me much (I gained 40 pounds, though, which is a real esteem boost). Recently, I got fungus on one of my toes and I started using Fungi-cure spray. I sprayed it on the eczema on my feet and it has improved. I think it is the alcohol in the spray. As a general rule, I haven't found anything OTC or prescribed that helps. I am almost embarrassed to admit all the odd concoctions I have tried to get rid of this (bleach, dandruff shampoo, etc.) I hope there is a cure out there. It is good to know I'm not alone.

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  21. STRESS! I believe this is the number one cause of the flare ups. I'm 28 years old and before I was diagnosed with dyshidrosis, my skin was near flawless! No mild eczema or dry skin. I first noticed this skin condition when I was diagnosed with Shingles last year. Since my first outbreak, it's never completely went away. However, over the summer I began taking 3mg of Biotin daily for hair loss. There is also a certain amount of Calcium in this vitamin. Within a week of beginning the Biotin, my hands were itching less and the blisters began to disappear. I went three months without the insane itching and inflammation that follows. I didn't change anything in my diet or the soaps, water, etc. that I would use on my hands. After 1 day of running out of Biotin and not having that daily dose in my system, the itching came back with fury. I immediately began taking it daily without missing a dose, and once again my hands started clearing up. Biotin promotes healthy hair, nails, and SKIN. Try it. Every doctor that I went to told me that it was atopic dermatitis and to be cautious of my surroundings and intake. After hours of research and 5 doctors later, I found out that not treating dyshidrosis and letting it go can be life threatening. These blisters that are scratched and left as open sores can be dangerous in the presence of staph, strep, and other bacterial infections. Be careful!

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  22. I have had this condition all my life on my hands (I am 46 years old). I have given up on steroid creams. Using selsun blue (dandruff shampoo) diluted in warm water as a 15-minute soak is VERY soothing especially during the blistering stage. Takes away the itch and the redness. My favorite moisturizer is Aveeno intense hand repair cream.

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  23. Several people in this forum have asked for advice, even after several others have given advice. Please scroll through and read previous entries, there are numerous suggestions to try!

    I've had this condition since I was a kid (now 36) but just figured out that it's dyshidrotic per se. I look forward to trying the various ideas in others' posts above, as well as to asking my doctor about a form of light therapy from a dermatologist, mentioned on a different website.

    Don't give up hope, folks. That will raise your stress level and thus increase your breakouts! Keep pushing your doctor for help, demand to see a dermatologist. Advocate for yourself! If you don't, no one will!

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  24. Yes, I am also a sufferer with this awful condition. I don't want to speak too soon, but, after months of oozing, bleeding, cracking, blistering, peeling fingers and thumbs, I am healing -- slowly but surely. Like a couple of your other commenters, I, too, have gone holistic, using only small amounts of over-the-counter Cortizone and moisturizers. I take daily herbal supplements and have removed processed foods from my diet. Also, I find that I have to really "baby" my hands. I wear gloves to wash dishes, do housework, etc -- anything that will be abrasive or harsh to my hands, I use gloves for. It never occurred to me to use gloves while showering, but, if that will help protect my hands from the shampoo and conditioner, then, I think I will start doing that, too.

    I find that my breakouts are directly related to emotional stress/turmoil. I had a large outbreak ten years ago when my mom died that took over two years to get under control. I was "in remission" if you will, until last summer, when my dad was diagnosed with cancer and my grandmother died. Of course, the outbreak came back with a vengeance! UGH! So, it has taken me months to get it under control, but, it is getting better.

    I get tired of people gasping and asking what in the world I have done to my hands. Yes, I know, it looks like some traumatic injury, and it IS painful and it DOES interfere with my daily life.

    Enough for now...

    Everyone, take care of yourselves. I have learned so much from reading this blog and everyone's comments here.

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    1. Love how rude people are. I would never dream of pointing out some flaw on another person. That is pet peeve #1. #2 are those that compare their garden variety eczema to ours. NOT the same thing!!!

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  25. My husband showed me both palms of his hands, two small patches of this type of eczema? a couple of days later I had it on my left middle finger? I went to the Dr's office! I didn't believe him so I started googling this thing? and to my surprise It is what it is!!! I scaped and peeled and picked at what is left of the thing and applyied ever type of cream to it but it keeps staring at me?????

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  26. A friend of mine had this-SEVERELY for 15 years. He had been through doctors and they gave him steroids and the whole gambit of "cures". Finally he went to a Naturopath who advised light therapy and he is now finally better.

    He had even considered pretty macabre options....

    Might be worth looking into for any folks here. Best of luck beating this thing!

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  27. I have just figured out what kind of eczema I have after googling different web sites. This first started happening to me after getting acrylic fake nails done. I haven't worn them since but the blisters, pain, oozing, redness and peeling keep coming back!!! I went to a dermatologist years ago and was told that I had eczema and psoriasis, but believe I only have the d-eczema. I truly believe that 2 factors are the culprit: stress and heat. When I went to visit family in Florida, it came so bad! The blisters practically covered my whole hands!!! And the pain is awful, and then the healing and peeling start. I work in food service so this can be quite a HUGE pain!!! When I get stressed, I notice it more. I just keep applying the heavy creams and Eucerin alot. Other than that, I don't know what to do and I do worry that when a blister breaks and then starts to ooze I might come in contact with something that might cause an infection. Going to the doctor again seems pointless since there is no known cure. It is quite embarrassing and I am constantly hiding the inside of my hands and I always wear sneakers unless I heavily moisturize my feet before hand. This can be quite depressing in the summer when it gets really bad on my feet. It only appears on the inside of the arch of my feet and the palms of my hands.

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  28. the onset of this seems to coincide with the birth of both of my children which leads me to believe it has something to do with hormone levels or a deficientcy (iodine/vitamin d?) the maddening thing is that ive never been successfully treated by a doctor none of them have a clue. they say things like...oh its something you are touching (huh?) or they give me cortisone which simply replaces the intense itching with intense burning....this time around its much better because i am exfoliating the area with a soft brush/towel to prevent the thickening that creates the fissures/bleeding cracking during the second phase of the disease. If the skin isnt broken i even use an ascorbic acid peel which relieves the itching and removes dead skin. the key for me is not what im touching" the prob is originating from within.....

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  29. After a standard eczema outbreak with psoriasis i hair, I started to get worse.

    I went to the doctors many times, given various creams to put over my skin.
    Aqueous, a more waxy one, another one commonly used with exczema and finally Helathe fatty cream with the last one actually seeming to help.
    I had been put on various antibiotics.
    The only which worked well was prednisone but is very bad for long term so when I could not take it anymore it came back again.

    I have tried various cortisteriods as well.
    I have had Locoid, Lemnis Fatty cream, Aristocort and finally Advantan.

    Advantan actually working with my ears which were weeping like crazy due to eventual staph infection.

    I am supposed to be in Uni studying but since this onset of severe eczema and now dyshidrotic eczema I can not continue.

    Next week I am having to go to a dermatologist to see what he can do with my condition.

    I am 30 years old I am know to have had eczema in the past but never ever this severe.

    This is the first time I have had dyshidrotic eczema.

    For all those who have read, I wish you the best in finding a final solution to your skin disorder because I now know how much it can put life at a stand still.

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  30. I have had this condition all my life (over 50 years) and never knew what it was called until I came across some examples of dyshidrotic eczema on the internet.

    When it was really bad the only thing I could do to ease the intense itching, cool the burn, and sooth the pain of the blisters was to soak in a very warm baking soda bath.

    After many years I finally realized that, for me, the severity definitely increased under extreme stress. I now use a natural supplement (and have for the last six years) that has helped reduce my stress reaction and have had only one mild outbreak since!

    I want to express my appreciation for this blog and everyones input, it might just help my kids understand their eczema better.

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  31. I was misdiagnosed for two years (athletes foot, poison ivy, contact dermatitis) before I finally saw a dermatologist who took one look and said Dyshidrotic Eczema. And once I googled it, it was like I wrote the descriptions myself.

    Burrow's solution has helped me when I can get it ordered. And I definitely use a topical steroid because if I don't, the blisters on my feet get so bad that I can not walk. My hands can get tough and painful, but the feet are just insane. So tough to not itch even though I know it makes it worse the next day.

    In past years, I've tried nearly every suggestion including the nearly 30% hydrogen peroxide solutions which burned like nothing else. Vinegar, not washing, gloves (happen to be sensitive to latex), oatmeal soaks...

    We're still trying to figure out what the trigger is for me. I never had this growing up-- it started once I moved to Baltimore right around 35. It seems to start in the spring and can continue either for a few weeks or sometimes a couple of months. I'm thinking now that it could be tied to gardening?

    ~Elizabeth

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  32. Is this contagious? I work with a lady who has this and we share a desk at lunchtime. We've been working together for about a year, and about a month ago I had this weird blister (thought it was a pimple at first) on my arm near my elbow. It took a couple of weeks to completely go away. This weekend, I looked down at my palms and see that at the base, near my wrist, I have white, peeling skin. It's not itchy, but it's flaking and the skin is drawing up like it's getting ready to peel more. PLEASE, AGAIN, IS THIS CONTAGIOUS, because what's going on with my hands and the "pimple" I had a few weeks ago are very similar to what my co-worker started out with. YIKES!!!

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    1. It is not contagious! Webmd.com does a great job describing it.

      Delete
    2. No. And it doesn't start as peeling, peeling is the end stage. It'll start as a red bump on the tips of your finger...then do some weird mitosis thing and double overnight..if you're lucky like me you get maybe 20 of these limited to your fingers. If not, well you know how to google. It feels like a paper cut. It will hang around for 2 weeks to a month if you leave it alone. They have clear fluid in them not what you'd expect from a white head pimple. The worst is when you get it under your finger nails.

      Delete
  33. Eczema is a skin condition that cause itching, redness, dryness and swelling in your skin. If you have eczema then you know the discomfort of eczema. There are many products and eczema treatment but one can try natural eczema treatment because this does not any type of side effects on your skin like all other expensive and ineffective products and treatments.

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  34. Wow reading all of these comments brings back terrible memories of when my young son went misdiagnosed for 3 years and I can tell you that most of the treatments I am seeing here we tried during that time. Finally I took him to urgent care one weekend night for the usual treatment of steroid cream and antibiotics and the nurse practitioner knew exactly what it was and sent us to a very old dermatologist in the area. To my surprise the dr looked at it and said we will have this cleared up by tomorrow and went on to explain that this condition is overtreated in most cases. He then prescribed a strong anti histamine and said to stop using creams that they were useless and that this condition starts on the inside not the surface of the skin. Well by morning the next day my sons hands and feet were remarkably better and the event was over by the next morning. He now takes claritin or zyrtec daily and switches to the stronger antihistamine if he starts to have a flare up and it stops it cold. My son is now 20 and has been free of this condition for the most part for 12 years. I really hope this helps someone with controlling this agonizing condition. I thank God for this old dr who has since retired and the nurse practitioner who sent us to him.

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    Replies
    1. My son was just diagnosed with this and is only five. It is terrible and very painful for him we have been fighting it for 4 months now. We just went to see a dermatologist and he put him on a very high dose of oral steroid and also a cream that is the highest dose of steriod cream you can get. It worries me that he is on these. I may give the zyrtec a try is there any other advice you have on it to make it not so painful and itchy

      Delete
    2. honey helps, all natural too

      Delete
  35. I have had this since october of 2009. It started on just my pinky. I thought nothing of it and scratched. Bad idea. I believe it is truely stress related. I battle anxiety with every breath I take most of the time. This condition just makes it worse. It all started when my father in law was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer (pheochromocytoma) in july of 09. He passed early in November that same year. This resulted in great stress between myself and my husband. We ended up separating in early june 2010. By then I had blisters on many of my fingers and went to midpoint. I was prescribed a weak steroid cream and antibiotics. Helped a little but didn't do much. My husband and I reconciled in August. When my stress level dropped my hands got much better. We split again Feb 28 of this year for reasons beyond my control and got back together mid april. Until a few days ago my hands were almost healed everywhere... we got into it and I got super anxious. The next day I knew a flare up was coming. Blisters all over both palms, many fingers, and a very small area on one of my heals formed. Making me now believe, after I thought about this whole timeline, that stress and anxiety, is my trigger. On the up side... I have just stared soaking my hands in very cold water a dew times a day. Im not sure if it is just wishful thinking but I swear it is reducing the blisters on my hands. They are definitely smaller and have small dots in the middle of them. And it definitely kills the itch. I have found 2 creams that work very well if im able to keep them on my skin. Im a dog groomer, so it can be quite tricky. The one I prefer is triamcinolone acetonide, only available with a Rx. I haven't had insurance for 2.5 years..so getting more is an issue. Received the tube I had from a friend. Used it when her son had eczema. I would kill for more. I will have insurance in aug and the 1st thing im doing is finding a doctor who will give me a Rx. Over the counter... I think I just got lucky. After trying so many creams that just my burned, including hydrocortizone, I took a chance with triderma md eczema fast healing cream. It is not as good as the rx, but I would be ready to chop my hands off without it. If I apply many times a day it helps drastically. Its about 17 dollars a tube a wallgreens. I believe if I can get a anti anxiety drug and triamcinolone acetonide, I would be on my way to being normal again. Hope this maybe helps someone! !

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  36. i have it and it is not contagious; it is hereditary. someone in your background had it. it comes out usually when you are older; 20-40. if you are not having itching, then you DO NOT have d-eczema, because that's it's hallmark. the itching and burning are so bad it has made me suicidal and i am now on lexapro

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  37. I also have this very annoying skin condition. I have had it since I was about five, and I'm now 14 and I still have it. It's very itchy, my hands ooze out only a litlle bit of puss. I don't like to shake peoples hands because they're just too ruff for anyone to touch. It's so embarrassing! The medicines that I use do work, but I ran out and I just had a bad flair up a couple of days ago. I use Clobetasol Propionate, the brand name is Temovate. I use this cream when I'm having really bad breakouts. When my hands are'nt flairing up I use triamcinolone acetonide. Get the cream version. It penetrates into the skin better.

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  38. I think I may have this but I notice it's usually only in the summer time when my skin is more exposed to the sun. I note that after a few days of hot weather and either spending the day by the pool or beach I develop the bumps on my fingers and then if they are popped they itch like crazy until they heal, scab over, peel off and a bit of dry skin behind until it completely goes away... I also get them on my feet occasionally too but more common on my fingers.... Somewhere else I read says these are called pompholyx....

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  39. Humidity seems to play a role for me. I used to get this a lot when I lived in St. Louis but just small individual vesicles sporadically on my fingers. Then I moved to Australia where it's much drier, and I seem to get the itchies whenever I go back home to humid St. Louis for a visit. Lately it's been humid in Melbourne - Yay for the drought breaking but boo for my hands because I have had a spot that's large but fairly isolated on and off for the past year.

    Interesting thoughts about the diet though. Maybe I’ll use this to keep myself from eating too much sugar? Nah, I’ve always had a sweet tooth, so it would be hard to change that!

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  40. I just found this site and can soooo relate to all of the postings. I am at my wits end. I have it on my hands and the itching is so bad. My hands hurt, they are sore and yes like everyone else I hide my hands in public. Just getting change back from a cashier I have to be creative how I take the money so they won't see my hands. This is so amazingly stressful. My husband and kids try to understand but no one can unless they are suffering as well. I really appreciate the suggestions from everyone and feel I am not alone. I just read about Ayurvedic Medicine that uses all natural products. Ayuderme is the one for the skin. I ordered it online as it is only available in other countries. As like everyone else, I've been to 3 doctors and they all give you another cream, lotion, or gel to try. Will let you know how the Ayuderme goes. Thanks for being there.

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  41. Hey,
    I agree with all of you that the doctors cant figure it out. One doctor told me I wasnot rubbing the creme in hard enough. I was like excuse me! Last time I saw him.
    I have had it on my feet for about 3 years and I am embarrised as well. I had shoulder surgery recently and could not move my hand when the bandages were removed I had all these bumps on my hand. You guessed it, I have it on my hands now. I might have to wear gloves at work it is so ugly to look at. Wonderful to know I am not the only one suffering. I beleive it started when I had pnemonia and iv antibiotics. Maybe a coinsidence.

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  42. I had this when I was very young. It was awful on my hands and feet. The itching was severe. I can remember my mother putting gobs of vaseline on my hands and feet at night time and then I would have to wear socks on my hands and feet. I feel so very fortunate that about the time I hit puberty my symptoms completely disappeared. Not sure if it is connected or not. My heart goes out to anyone that has this as I know first hand that the outbreaks are miserable and embarrassing. I hope each and everyone of you find that magic thing that will help. God Bless...

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  43. I have had this several times in the last five years and thought it was athlete's foot. I tried everything and it just kept getting worse. So I started soaking my feet in vinegar twice a day. It worked. Now when I see and feel an outbreak coming, I get out the vinegar. It clears up right away.

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  44. I think my father had this, and I'm pretty sure I do too. My mother tells me I've had it all my life (40 years). I only remember this since age 10. My hands and feet sweat a lot so I don't have much of the dry out/peel/crack phase. My breakouts occur more in the Spring & Fall. They seem to itch in the mornings & evenings. The other day my mother gave me some kind of cream which made it worse; to get it off she gave me witch hazel. To my amazement that really helped the itch but it burned a little bit. Compared to some posts mine must be rather mild. Bless you guys!

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  45. I have had these tiny bubble that are very hare to burst and they come and go first they were on my palms and feet now they are on my fingers I am under alot of stress and dont really notice if that is when the out breaks occur... I have put every type of ointment on them with little or no results.. I am going to the doctor tommorow to get a diagnosis... Is there any thing I can do to stop it from spreading.. Very worried and dont know what else to do...

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  46. I got this for the first time last year at the end of April and it lasted till November and just came back again at the end of March. It is mainly on my feet and is much worse than photos and intensely itchy. I thought I could be allergic to the fit-flop type sandals I was wearing. Also, both breakouts followed on from stressful episodes, and I definitely used to be allergic to nickel in jewellery too. So, my next plan is to go on a nickel-free diet, which my son has just informed me means I will starve because it means saying no to the main foods in my diet: tea, coffee, chocolate, tomatoes, peas, beans, mushrooms, onions and wholegrains. Steroid creams have done nothing for me. Will try cider vinegar too. Thanks.

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  47. After my first child was born, when I was 37, I got the classic little red itchy bumps, which I thought were poison ivy. I had been gardening and am prone to it; I itched it and ignored it, being busy with a baby. Finally, thinking I might have skin cancer, I went to an old dermatologist who took one glance and knew what it was. "No known cause. No known cure." At least he was honest up front.

    I was also overwashing my hands at the time and had been sick with a virus a few months before. I had just moved from a very humid environment, Houston, TX, to a drier climate in northern AL. Lots of possible causes. My personal guess is that there is a genetic factor, possibly induced by hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy, aging), but I also am suspicious of the water here. When I travel, the eczema goes into remission most of the time.

    I have tried a multitude of creams, from steroids to holistic, from oils to diet changes. Lowering stress helps. But my latest sucess is with Hydrogen Peroxide. I use the over the counter solution twice per day; it seems to help get rid of the dead skin and keeps secondary infections at bay. It is painful, but after the burning and irritation recedes, after an hour or so, it is completely calm and the skin is softer. I get so tired of the huge fissures and open cracks developing. I still have not tried gloves during showering. Washing hands is a catch-22. You need to keep the skin very clean, but washing can set off an attack.

    Slowly, the eczema has migrated. It started on one half of one finger, and now after four years, it is on two whole fingers and is spreading to the palm. I'm looking for a medical expert on this subject, but no luck so far. I just can't beleive there is no more knowledge than there is.

    My next step is to work on diet some more, to start using gloves in shower and to start trying to use distilled water. Even considering getting an expensive water softener installed in the house (has anyone tried this?). I am convinced there is a way to halt this - and I am going to keep trying. Although peroxide keeps me sane and keeps the hands in decent shape, it is not healing the problem. I agree that healing is going to have to come from inside. We can topically treat it all we want, but I think this is an internal problem in origin.

    Other helpful things I use: Calendula Creams, Neosporin, Steroid creams in extreme conditions only as they cause lots of side effects and become ineffective if used a lot, Second Skin burn pads left on for a day or two, avoiding hand contact with the juice of all citrus or acidic fruits or veggies, like oranges and tomatoes. Avoid overwashing and hand sanitizers. Avoid overworking your hands. Try to debride...remove the dead skin, gently. Avoid hot water. Wear gloves when dishwashing. Avoid regular soap.

    I wish there was a support group. This is a mentally taxing health problem - poorly understood and hard to explain to others.

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  48. I have also rencently deveoloped this condition. It makes me feel better that there are others like me, considering my derm. didn't have much info to give me on it. The only difference, though, is that mine don't itch? and the tiny blisters are spead out. Is this something different?

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  49. Three months ago my foot broke out inbetween a couple toes. A month later i had the small blisters on my hands. The doctor said it was Atheletes foot & eczema on my hands. The blisters got so bad they covered my whole hands down to my wrists. It has finally been cleared up for the last wk after peeling. But the last couple days the blisters have been trying to start again. I think its caused by allergies & entensified by stress. I wouldnt wish this on my worst enemy. It is nice to know I'm not alone in my suffering.

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  50. I am at my wits end...It started maybe 5 years ago my pedicurist noticed under my left foot by the arch reddened skin with some peeling and red dots..i went to my dermatologist and she tested it for fungus and it came back negative..i never bothered to look into it further as my life was too full with 1 daughter ready to undergo HUGE and MAJOR jaw surgery and my other daughter VERY ill due to her disease which required her to having a double lung transplant.. i then noticed the palms of both my hands had little tiny dots on them..then it started to get progressively worse on my foot..this past year my mother took ill..talk abot a stressful life, welcome to mine..this past year my foot and both hands just awful..im also with the cortisone creams some of them just awful..i hve one now that is better than the rest..i did initially start off taking cortisone shots in my hands and foot wow that killed but did nothing for it so i stopped..my doc wants me to take pills for it but i opted out as im not interested in the side effects these pills have..i also found that i was using bath and body works products which made things worse so stay away from their products..soap is awful..im a constant hand washer..no purell or hand sanitizers either they too cause the condition worse..will this ever go away..i dont know but my mom said her sister had it really bad and it disappeared..its an auto immune deficiency..its depressing..and i can identify myself with reading the above comments..as soon as it looks like it is improving its no sooner it starts all over again..today i added vaseline to my regimentation well that was a bit of relief.i also find if i wear shoes without socks whoa that aggravates the situation as well..i too now have to wear gloves for washing dishes and i bought special gloves for cooking thank god as these are life savers for me..i read your comments about wearing them in the shower but what do i put on my foot? oh i forgot to mention i use spectrogel to wash my hands with.i tried cetaphil i think spectrogel is better but cetaphil turns into a lather which makes me feel im getting a better wash but i think it dries my hands out more...sigh...

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  51. STOP EATING SUGAR ANS IT WILL GO AWAY!!!! no soda or beer or sugar foods. Also wash with dandruff shampoo during flare ups. Also, try antifungals taken orally seems to help. I think it is related to a fungal infection. That is the trigger for sugar. I have a PHD in physiology and have research this extensively. I went form $250 dollar a month steroid cream and break outs all over my body to a few times a month on two fingers and no MEDS!!!! All do to sugar!!!!!!!! trust me folks it sugar realted!!!!!! Dr Koffman the fungal link is what made me get started with beating this thing. Email me if you like exercisephd@hotmail.com

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  52. My son has had this for 2 years now. We have been to many MDs. Tried every cream, treatments have included: light therapy, autoimmune meds, steroids. My son complains of intense itching, burning and pain. He is 22 now and has recently stated if this is never going to go away he would rather die. I am at a loss. We have tried the ginger tea soaks, cutting out certain foods. Every time we attempt allergy testing, he can't be off the steroids for long or his hands swell and bleed. Anyone know of someone to see in the Washington, DC area? I am feeling desperate for him, he has been on 60 mgs of Prednisone for a long while.

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  53. I have had Dyshidrosis for almost 7 years now. I first noticed it when I was 21 years old on my feet. After a few more years I started getting it on my Hands. It was usually on the soles of my feet, or the sides of my fingers. It presented as 100's of tiny little blisters in clusters. They are fluid filled clear vesicles, and eventually scale over and peel away as if they were never there. Then another outbreak happens and the cycle repeats. I would say I got 8-10 or more outbreaks a year in varying severity.

    FINALLY after years my dermotologist did a patch test and discovered I was allergic to NICKEL. She suggested I try a low nickel diet since studies have shown a connection between Dyshidrosis and nickel allergies to nickel in foods/cookeware/water. Since starting this diet I hardly ever have outbreaks. I think you all should try this for a few months and see if it helps.

    Generally the foods with highest nickel content are; Dark Chocolate, Whole wheat, Oatmeal, Oysters/Mussels, All Canned fruits/veggies, acidic food cooked in stainless steel.. here is a complete list.

    http://med.psu.edu/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=0888ec6e-3d2f-4766-833e-b38bd920ffcd&groupId=102184

    I also only drink Distilled water, and/or bottled spring water as they contain the lowest amounts of heavy metals.

    Consider patch allergy testing. And consider a low nickel diet. Its easy to try for a couple months... and you might see improvement with dyshidrosis.

    -Kevin

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  54. I am 37 years old, live in the midwest and have been experiencing the little "pimples" (which daily dry out and cause the skin to crack and pop/peel off) on my left palm for about 7 months now. It started with just one little "pimple" and has now progressed to have taken over all the area below my thumb to my wrist, but not the center of my palm...yet.

    The only things that I notice help me at all, which I have been using for the last 2 weeks are:
    1. To help with the itch and I'm hoping to help with everything else with this rash I take one 10mg Claritin/day.

    2. To slow the rash and it's intensity, I apply Clobetasol Propionate Gel at night (prescribed from my doctor at the lovely price of $55/30 grams), but well worth it and MUST be used at least once a day to see results,
    and I apply the gel once during the work day if I get the chance to sit long enough for it to completely dry.

    3. To keep the affected area moist, I apply Aquaphor (made by Eucerin and found at any Walgreeens or local grocery store) when I get home (since this product doesn't soak in quickly due to having a main ingredient of petroleum), and during the work day I apply Neutrogena Fragrance -Free Hand Cream since it soaks in quickly and a dab will do ya.

    4. I also take one multivitamin with a huge dose of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 in it.

    I will post again in a couple weeks and let you all know how all of my attempts at relief and cure are going.

    I really am hoping to have great news and results for all!
    Keep your heads up, you're not alone,
    An army of some is better than an army of one.

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  55. Knowing the fact that I am not the only one that suffer with this skin condition really helps me a lot. Others have suffer it much and here I am, complaining and whining why mine is so terrible when my condition isn't that terrible.You guys had really give me an inspiration to fight this out.
    The small bubbles come and go without any notice why it is happening. I don't think I am stressed and I guess maybe because of the environment around me that doesn't help that much. I have a problem to straighten my finger as the blisters happen to be at the joint of my index finger. Sometimes I just can't help myself to scratch it like crazy and we all know what happened next.It gets swollen and sometimes mine is bleeding. I would suggest to apply the virgin coconut oil to the affected area.It gives more moisture and helps to heal the skin faster.

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  56. I have dyshidrotic eczema on the soles of my feet and it is horrible! I got it the first time on holidays four years ago and my entire bottom foot was covered in these fluid filed blisters that all started multiplying and clustering together. I have never in my life had an itch like that, I just want to crawl out of my skin. I went to the Hot Springs last summer and when I got out the itchy little buggers were gone. I'm going agin this summer to see if it was the sulfer that did the trick. However mine flare up when my feet sweat, and I know they say sweat doesn't cause flare ups but I don't believe that for one second. I have a ton of stress all year long and only have flare ups in the summer. Interesting that they found ultimately that sweating feet are not responsible.

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  57. Last time i wrote on this blog was May 20, 2012
    I went back to my dermatologist a month ago..she suggested i try a pill, it is suppose to be for 3 months..so i finally bit the bullet..today is my first day on them..first i had to do bloodwork..the pills are called Toctino, in case anyone is interested...they are not cheap..i have an insurance plan which happens to cover them but if it works it will be worth to even have to pay the money for them...i shall keep you all posted!!!

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  58. I feel qualified to respond to the many posts I've read. First, as a 7-year sufferer of dyshidrosis of the hands, secondly, as a medical professional. I received steroid treatments (topical and injectables)and light treatments for several years with very limited success - none lasting. My derm said it was one of the worst cases he'd seen. I eliminated all sugar, white flour, caffeine and alcohol in varying combinations for at least 6 months with no improvement. (I never had eczema as a child and this began in my late 50's.) I tried antianxiety meds, allergy medications and every lotion, skin cream,and moisture barrier cream manufactured. No improvement noted. Last November, I began Reflexology treatments in combination with weekly Yoga practice (especially yin and pranayamas)with immediate healing results. While traveling this spring, I purchased organic coconut body cream in Costa Rica, which I apply to my hands for the extensive scarring I had. The marks are gone now, and the only evidence of the condition is a pea-sized dry spot at the base of my thumb. I no longer concern myself with what I eat or drink, what soaps or lotions I use. In my case, I am convinced it was triggered by faulty functioning of the adrenal gland which was corrected by the reflexology treatments and is regulated now by my Yoga practice. I was a virtual recluse for many years, and even entertained thoughts of suicide, because of the pain, the limitation and the appearance of this condition. I feel as if I've been given a new lease on life. I forgot what it was like to use my hands normally. This is what healed the condition for me. I can only hope and pray, it may be the solution for someone else. Keep searching for "your" solution. It can happen, I know!

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  59. My friend have this kind of skin problem. Try Dermovate. My friend use Dermovate and it helps a lot!

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  60. I have found that it goes away if I don't eat any corn in all forms (in many processed foods), yeast or wheat. I must admit that yeast and wheat create the worst symptoms. I just wanted to put it out there in case anyone might also food allergies/intolerances that cause this, especially for those who have it all the time.

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  61. First, after reading some of these posts, I am saddened about people's sense of shame or embarrassment, when this is clearly a medical condition. But I know how image is a major issue in our culture. I hate it, but it is what it is..I have suffered for 4 yrs now, but it was only intermittant in the beginning. Meaning once every 3-5 months. I was working in the restaurant business at the time, so chalked it up to contact w/ cleaning supplies. Now it's out of the park!! As noted in some prior postings, I get outbreaks coming before the previous ones have even gotten to the drying stage. The little brown dots, left after the blisters dry, have now gotten so unsightly that people have asked if I had moles or aging spots. And the itching is intense. I was diagnosed w/ eczema on my back, arms, and legs about 10 yrs ago, but the hands have really been put through the ringer. Especially the 'in between the fingers' blisters.I am definitely sure that diet and exposure to chemicals have played a role, but my stress level has been extreme for a long time. I haven't been able to tie the 2 to stress alone. But the recent (6 months?)consistancy of outbreaks has been alarming. Steroids have had little to no affect/effect (wearing cotton gloves w/ Rx creams at night and all..)and I have just humped along with it. I offer no remedy, but I thank you for allowing me to share my experience. Definitely a bummer, huh? My heartfelt good luck (and real science) to you. Kristenkitty1970@yahoo.com

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  62. I have dyshidrotic eczema as well. I have found that hand sanitizers, antibacterial soaps, and harsh soaps like Dial Gold and restaurant soaps will set me off. My silver wedding band breaks my hands out as well. Please be careful with the steroid creams that the doctors prescribe, they thin your skin out and make them worse. Make sure you dry your hands well also! Coconut oil has helped tremendously with moisturizing, and not been overly greasy and thick enough to create a flare-up, which most ointments have done to me. I have now progressed from dyshidrosis on my hands to having eczema in my ears.

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  63. hi im from the philippines, and i also suffer from dyshidrotic eczema but not as bad as the pics though, it started after i had my daughter in 2009, for me the trigger for my eczema is if i had too much of chicken, fish ( all that food from the sea ), eggs, and foods with preservatives like sodium.. the first attack was severe and that time i didnt know what it was it was on my right foot and i can barely walk coz it really hurts, and i guess the soaking in the warm water made it worst and eating fish for like 4 times a week really did it,so as soon as i stopped eating fish it went away. when i searched it through the internet and learned about it i also noticed on which food i was allergic to,but now im having it again although its not as severe as before it spread out on my hand fingers and feet, i havnt eaten what i thought i was allergic to but its not going away,im using this cream it has sulfur in it, and it helps with the itching and burning, the blisters dries up easily, but unfortunately the old ones will heal and there would come new ones... i will try the claritin i hope it works for me.. ow the name of the cream is katialis im not sure if its available in other country...

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    Replies
    1. hi same case with my wife here in the Philippines. worst than the pictures above she was diagnosed with numular ecZema that sad thing is she is 3 mos pregnant that time. progress is to fast after seeing 2 dermatologist tha same month made it flare up in her whole body. just imagine your whole body starting from chest to feet including front and back of ur body has a coin shaped freshly open wounds like (longganisa). january of 2010 made it also worst when we went to a 3 day confinement in a hospital wanting her to become a study in the philippines due to the rareness and fast progression her case. 3rd wik of january we went to a frend of mine who is an alternative doctor. making story short aftr 2 wiks of intensv oral and topical medication febuary 2nd wik all wounds dried up, small wound faded and cleared up instantly. MAY of the same yr she gave birth to our first healtht baby girl. now we have 2 children. all healthy and smart. im so sadend abt the agony of wat people are experiencing in this site. surely experiencing hopelessnes and depression. there is a cure and i believe that my wife is really a living testimony here in the philippines. will be willing to help anytime. gudluck to all of u and godbles us all.


      Beej, Manila

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  64. I have had this since I was born and I'm 20 now and it has gotten worse lately but I am under a lot of stress. I use mometasone for it, but the itching drives me nuts

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  65. I don't think anyone really knows how bad this is until it afffects them. My first outbreak occurred at the beginning of summer 2012, and aside from a small break while on a small course of prednisone, I have not seen the skin on the palms of my hands in months, due to the blisters, and then the scaling, deep fissures.

    I feel as though I've tried everything, to no avail. I've considered some pretty crazy measures, including soaking them in gasoline. Seeing them heal for the blessed short duration that they did, however, has made me believe that it's not a contact issue. I do believe that it comes from inside the body. As my hand had healed and I was able to use it normally, I started to feel some itching. Close inspection of my palm revealed little dots, which soon erupted to the surface in the form of the now familiar tapioca like blisters.

    I'm on triamcinolone cream, and use Eucerin cream constantly. I'm usually in a state of eruption, or post eruption, in which my hands are scaly, painful, and have deep cracks/fissures. Putting water on them is torture, let alone performing normal duties. If I try to dry them out, I can't straighten them. I wear gloves for everything now, which still isn't helpful.

    It's interesting that some of the comments above are also things that I have considered, such as white bread and sugar. At this point, I am so frustrated, I would consider fasting if I thought it would cleanse my body of whatever causes it!

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  66. I have dyshidrotic eczema on the sides of my feet including my big toes and lately it seems to be spreading to bottom of feet all so. I all so have it on both hands but mainly the right hand. My job requires me to handle a lot of printed paper- the ink really irrates my hands making it hard to keep this condition under control. I try to wear gloves and frequently mosturize my hands with aquaphor or vanacream. I too have tried steroid creams and kenalog shots which help temporarily. Both of which are not good to use since the creams thin your skin and the shots are not good for your bones. I did test positive for allergies to flour,yeast and sugar so I do think there is something to idea that this starts from the inside and works its way out through your skin. Stress all so seems to make it worse. Hard not to feel stressed when you have to deal with this skin condition all the time. I have been reading the nickel connection articles all so and plan to try to elimate foods high in nickel and Zrytec next. I have had episodes where my hands are so swollen that I can not bend my fingers because my skin splits open at all the joints. This is the most painful thing I have ever experienced. The other symptom of course is the itch. You literally want to scratch your skin off. The last doctor I went to recomended bleach soaks. Believe it or not it helps. You put bleach in your bath water and soak for about 10 minutes . Takes away the itch and helps dry up the blisters. all so kills bacteria on skin to prevent infections. The latest one my Dermatologist recommened is to mix up Domeboro powder with water in a jug and keep it in the fridge and when hands itch pour some in container you can soak your hands or feet in. supposedly the mix plus the cool water works wonders. I guess you find it at the drug store, I looked for it at CVS but did not find it. Coal tar ointments used for Psoriasis work for your feet if you put the ointment on after bathing and then wear WHITE cotton socks. Yes...even colored socks will make it worse. What a crazy annoying disease this is.

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    1. try finding Domeboro powder at Walmart behind the Pharmacy counter. It dissolves in hot water better. I'm a sufferer as well and know it works.

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  67. Hello,
    I just came across this site, and I must say that it has been validating to know that I am not alone in this - I have had severe dyshidrotic eczema on my hands for years. I have been to many doctors and had all kinds of tests, for everything from food allergies to metal allergies. My hands are rarely without a flare-up in one stage or another, and in recent years, the flares are so bad/frequent that I'm left with bleeding, swollen, infected fingers much of the time. I have tried cutting dairy and gluten, without success. After reading some posts, I may try cutting sugar.
    I wonder if anyone has tried acupuncture with success? Desperate but not willing to give up!

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  68. Wow glad to hear im not alone had this for 10yr now still not getting better it did go away when i was pregant tho.thanks

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  69. Wow, I never imagined that so many people would respond to this post! It's definitely a troubling condition, and I pray that all of you will be able to find the remedy that will work in your specific situations.

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  70. I am thrilled to see I'm not the only one with this . Right now it is only affecting one hand( knock wood) it has gotten to the point that it will mess up my nail beds and really add to the social flair. I have been using a product called working hands at night when I wake my hands feel great I wish the feeling would last hope it helps someone

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  71. Has anyone ever had any of the blisters come up under their nails? I have.. currently I have a set under my thumb nail and under one of my big toe nails.. I will lose both of them as they are both loose especialy the toe nail. I can acctualy look at the thumb nail and see the blisters through it!!! They have distorted the nail lifted it from its bed on one side and I can see the other nail growing in. And talk about aggrivateing.. they are still itchy under the nail.. and i cant scratch them.

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  72. i have this too and was put on doxcyline and a steriod nasal spray for a sinus infection and it cleared up. when i ran out of the nasal spray it came back. i am going to the doctor today to get a refill of flunisolide nasal spray, from what i have read it is better than the oral pills and if it works then it works.

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  73. Hi! I've recently been diagnosed with dyshidrotic eczema and was prescribed a clobetisol ointment to put on for any 15 days out of the month. I've been following this regimen for about three weeks now, and have not gotten any relief. I have another appointment with my dermatologist this evening, but I decided to do some of my own research because the symptoms I am having do not seem to be quite the same as described in my past research.
    If this IS dyshidrotic eczema, it is a very mild-looking case. I get patches of small red bumps on the tops of my hands near my thumbs that are extremely extremely itchy. They do not seem to be blisters as you all seem to be describing, just small tiny bumps under my skin. In addition to these bumps, on my palms and in between my fingers I get very tiny, hard to see brown specks that move linearly and leave behind a path in my skin that looks almost like a paper cut. These, too, are unbearably itchy! It's MOST LIKELY not scabies, as I was treated for scabies at the first onset of these brown dots and the symptoms were unchanged, and also my SO has not began experiencing any of these same symptoms.
    The small under the skin bumps have now spread to my wrists and as far as my elbow.
    I'm unsure whether it is related to this condition or not, but I have also began getting itchy bumps on my upper stomach under my breast line, and also slightly on my legs. This may be related to detergent, so if it continues, I am going to try switching, but as for my hands, I know it is not a reaction to a change in any soap, because I hadn't changed anything when it started.
    If anyone on this thread could confirm these symptoms as those of dyshidrotix eczema or have any insight as to what it may be, please reply!

    Thank you!!!

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  74. I never had this condition until the autumn of 2011. Prior to that, I had no allergies or skin conditions of any sort. I used to work in an industrial kitchen -- hands in and out of gloves, sanitizers, frequent hand washing. In the winter, sometimes, my hands would get dry. And then, at some point, I decided that I was going to begin drinking wine. I was a light drinker at the time, but had been a heavy drinker of beer and whiskey in the past -- but I never drank wine. My cousin started making it in his garage, so I thought that I would give drinking it a shot.

    I drank it for about four weeks every day -- and that's when it started. First, between the big toe and the next toe on my left foot. I thought it was athlete's foot or a connection to my fungal toenail. Then, it spread in between a couple more toes. Then, I went on vacation and stopped drinking wine -- and it went away. When I came back, and started drinking wine, it started up again. That's when I made the connection. NOW, when I drink ANY alcohol, it flares up. It's very mild compared to many of the stories on here. It is localized to a couple of small patches (<1 cm) on my palms, the sides of my fingers above the top joint, the insides of my thumbs, in between 4 toes on my left foot and 2 on my right, up the side of my left big toe -- and in the arch of my right foot. The only place it itches is between the 4 toes on the left foot -- and not that bad. But, it has itched like crazy when healing. Sometimes I pop the blisters, but most of the time they're just annoying.

    It is those gross, fluid-filled blisters below the skin, though, that look like they have a dark, watery center. The only other thing that makes it bad is heat -- I went to South America and it was considerably worse, and now that it's getting hot in NYC, it's starting back up. But, I drank a Greyhound the other day, thinking that the vodka would be pure enough that it wouldn't get me -- and it's all up the insides of both of my thumbs now.

    I think, sometimes, you can have it and it doesn't itch. If it doesn't itch, it doesn't get red and oozy and cracked. It just goes away -- but I still think that it is dyshidrosis. I feel for those who have it very badly. I am fearful that this will progress. It's been about 1 year and 6 months.

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  75. My 10 year old has had this condition since she was 6... It happens in summer.. Triggers are stress, soaps, and especially water.. Chlorinated water is the worst, but even long showers can cause outbreak.. Recently switched her shower soaps (shampoo conditioner and body hand soap) too all natural fragrance chemical free and have noticed a moderate improvement.. For lotion she only uses coconut oil .. Showers every other day.. When itching episodes happen she sprays hands feet with anti itch spray and uses ice packs.. Dr gave us hydroxyzine which pretty much Just knocks her out.. Dr told me to only use when itching is too much.. In summer we use like 2-3 xs per month when it's really bad.. I massage her hands and feet it seems to help a bit.. I'm gonna try to lower amount of processed food and sugars.. See if that might help..

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  76. Hello, all.
    I have done a lot of research to try to figure out what TRIGGERS this and what kinds of treatments are available as there IS NO CURE.
    There are theories out there they have suggested that an outbreak of pompholyx may be connected to a recent prescription of antibiotics taken thus it may be an increase of yeast within the body!
    I have had pompholyx 5 times: 10 yrs old, 16 yrs old, 20 yrs old, 22 years old and 43 years old...EACH TIME I HAD TAKEN ANTIBIOTICS!!! for one reason or another, I was sick (at 10) I had wisdom teeth extracted (at 16) and I had surgeries (at 20 & at 22) and the latest I came back to the States in the winter from South Africa where it was summer and became very sick with pneumonia...thus I was prescribed very strong antibiotics as well as oral steroids (prednisone)...as soon as I was done with the antibiotics...BAM...pompholyx!
    Once you get pompholyx from antibiotics it nearly impossible to get rid of.
    I have tried so many different things...it's embarrassing, painful, etc. It was so bad on my feet last year that I couldn't wear shoes for about 8 months!

    I plan to visit many doctors to see if they can reverse the effects...maybe probiotics? it's worth a shot.

    HAS ANYONE ELSE (while thinking about it) TAKEN AINTIBIOTICS JUST BEFORE THE ONSET OF THIS LOVELY SKIN CONDITION????

    Please reply...I'd be very interested to hear if you have a similar story....coincidence??

    madbowhuntersgirl67@yahoo.com

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  77. Reading over these comments is very heart-wrenching...so many people have struggled with this terrible skin disorder. I never had to deal with it to the degree that some of you guys have, but I had mild eczema on my lower stomach for a while. I do remember a lady I worked with, she had to wear gloves all the time because of eczema (don't know if it was dyshidrotic or not). Many people think that the problem is mainly dietary, but who's to say. I personally think there's a link, but I'm no dermatologist either. One thing's for sure, there are enough people struggling with this condition for it to be more seriously examined.

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  78. I agree with the medical professional who posted on July 21 2012 - each person has to find their own trigger/ solution and it's not easy. My triggers all in combination were - hormonal changes due to pregnancy and childbirth and lactation at 40, a high dairy craving while nursing my son, adrenal stress worsened with poor sleep, and then summering in a damp climate. My solution arrived after I had given up all hope and was just barely tolerating my symptoms by lathering my feet with pine tar soap every night for an hour or so. Then on vacation I went wading in ocean water daily for 3 days and it nearly cleared my feet up altogether. This gave me the hope to try for other harder solutions. I returned home to a very very dry climate. I did an allergy elimination diet and gluten and dairy were very clear triggers. While on the elimination phase, I continued with salt water foot baths nightly (8 tablespoons per gallon, plus digitata seaweed) and then - while the skin was still damp - applied a non-petroleum jelly and moisturizing socks (not cotton or wool) for overnight. Complete cure!

    Now, summer again and increasing dryness in the air. I had begun to cheat on my diet a little by adding a spoonful of cream here and there and I was seeing just a little bit of itching. We went to a damp climate for a week, and my symptoms returned full force. I'm sitting here typing with my foot back in the salt water bath, and vowing to get back on to a very conscious diet again. So, my obvious triggers are: diet, change in dryness OR moisture, stress.

    I'll be watching my food more closely - maybe I should give up that dark chocolate after all, at least during the summer - soaking my foot, taking cod liver oil and Vit D, eating more seaweed, and trying soooo soooo hard not to touch that itch. I know it makes it worse, I know it .... but.... the itch!

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  79. as stated several times here beware of infecting open sores I have found that washing hands regularly in betadine or camphophenique actually helps limit risk of infection

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    1. Interesting that you say that.

      Due to my occupation, I regularly "scrub" my hands for surgery using betadine, and I find using this always exacerbates my pompholyx/dishydrotic eczema. I have ruled out irritating agents like latex (by using latex free gloves).

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  80. It is definitely comforting to know that I am not alone in struggling with this horrible condition! I have had this for about 13 years now, starting as few small blisters on my hands. In 2005, it flared up on all fingers and palms of hands and that's when I was actually diagnosed. Tried the clobetasol ointment first which seemed to clear it up for several years. But it came back with a vengeance in 2010, even spreading to my feet! Sometimes being so painful I cant even walk let alone putting on shoes! I have tried the clobetasol again, shots, a special compound with salicylic acid, even had allergy testing done all to no avail! Now I have lost my job and have no insurance so I am trying to find a more natural way to treat it. So far bleach baths, vinegar baths, oatmeal baths, milk baths, otc creams, wearing gloves, honey, hydrogen peroxide, vaseline, and I cant even remember all the "remedies" I have tried that have not worked. I did start taking supplements of vitamin D and fish oil, along with a menopause supplement that seems to help. Also, I have found that soaking my feet several times a day seems to make them feel better. I never thought about the hard water being a trigger-I do live in a rural area with well water! hmmmm... I recently found the Triderm cream at WalMart which seems to be helping also but doesn't really do anything for that awful itch!! After reading all of these posts from others, I think I will start trying to see if maybe it is diet related since nothing else seems to clear it up completely.

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  81. I just started to get this condition and I am very concerned! My feet blister up and it is VERY PAINFUL to walk, I am only 28 and for about year and a half I have been getting little blisters on my feet off and on but this last outbreak is horrible the blisters seem to be much bigger and painful.I just want to be cute and wear sandals for the summer! I really hope that this does get any worse or spread because I am literally going to go crazy...Thanks for all of the remedies and advice I will be trying everything and will see a dermatologist soon.

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  82. This condition can be so troubling. Thanx for the info and pictures.

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  83. Ok guys this is what worked for me, if you don't want to make a fuss out of your eczema and go on through out your life like a normal person with minimum flare ups, here's my no fuss solution. Step 1 wash your hands, Step 2 apply 20 % hydrogen peroxide on affected area until it fizzes (it will be tough the first two weeks but trust me it will be better) Step 3 wash off the hydrogen peroxide. Step 4 apply coconut oil plus yellow sulfur solution on affected area. I do this twice a day and now the redness is gone im just waiting for a few more weeks for it to completely heal. P.S. I still eat whatever i want to eat and I do get stressed out.

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  84. I was recently diagnosed with eczema on my finger. It started about 3 months ago. I was prescribed a steroid cream that hasn't helped much. It looks like it is gone but then flares up again and the cycle starts all over. This condition is very agonizing. I'm 35 and never seen anything like this. I am embarrassed as it is on my ring finger and I get lots of weird looks from people. I see that some of you recommend Honey. My question is do you just rub the honey on the eczema or do you take it orally? I am very interested in any natural remedies out there. Thank You!

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  85. I suffered with this same condition as you all have for years. Hands and feet. Have been avoiding high nickel foods for about a year and that does seem to help. Discovered about five to six weeks ago that I was deficient in vitamin d. Have been on prescription strength vit d since and so far knock on wood, the vit d supplement has seemed to turn this eczema off. I have had no new blisters for weeks now and it has been a very long time since I have gone this long with no new blisters. Not sure if the low vit d causes this or makes me more sensitive to nickel or what but the vit d has seemed to turn the eczema off. Hope this info can help all or some of you!

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  87. I am a surgical technologist and have been scrubbing in surgery for 12 years now. Since December of 2014 I have been affected by this eczema and have tried every cream, ointment, and drug to rid myself of this problem. My work has even ordered special gloves for me to use but as I am writing this I have just returned back to work for my second week with new gloves and my hands look awful again. I was off for nearly two months and my hands were 98% healed from the first go of this disorder. I am at a point of throwing my hands up as what to do next. I obviously have some trigger at work that is making my hands get like this. Any other professionals out there in this situation?

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  88. I have this type of eczema. It is awful. Nothing stops the itching unless you can sedate yourself. It occupies your mind all day. I tried everything. I think the issue treating this is due to the causes. Some can be caused by fungus others are truly eczema which are treated in opposite manners. In the beginning I thought I had a fungus so I treated it as such. Drying this out. It got worse. Later, I decided to treat this as true eczema. The goal to keep the area as moisturized as possible. Here I made progress. I used organic coconut oil and Cera Ve cream. I then used duct tape or athletic tape to keep the now moisturized area from getting air and drying out. This also helped to keep me from scratching. At one point most of my foot and toes were covered. I would replace this twice a day, morning and night. By the 1st day my blisters were dissolving. The itching ver goes away but everyday it gets better.

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  89. I have extremely dry skin and suffer from patches of eczema on my fingers and I have found that foderma serum definitely helps soothe when used regularly. I also have issues with my hands cutting and splitting. I don't find this serum helps much with that aspect, but I would recommend overall.

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  90. I have battled Dishydrotic Eczema for YEARS...my sister has it, and now one of my daughters (age 21) has it. I soak affected area in cold water and moisturize, but the BEST way to combat it is to have your doctor prescribe Sulfasalazin 500 mg World renowned Dr. Helen Torok from Trillium Creek prescribed this for me and it works!!

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