Depending on the type of eczema, the symptoms may vary, but, however, there are a few common symptoms. These are the so-called primary symptoms, and we can mention here reddening of the skin, a prolonged itching sensation, swelling of the affected areas, and sometimes blistering, and crusting.



If the eczema is not treated, there appear the secondary symptoms. The skin becomes scaly and thick, dries up, and there can appear in some areas a change of color and loss of hair.

It is known that depending on the type of the eczema, it is possible that a combination of these symptoms to appear.

To keep eczema under control personal care is needed, but there is also available medication, which consists in steroid-based creams that must be applied on the affected areas. It is known that these creams can be classified in four levels: mild, moderately potent, potent, and highly potent. It is very important to use one of these creams only under medical supervision. The doctor will determine which one suites best for every patient's needs, and it is also important that the patient avoids the contact with all forms of irritants that can lead to an eczema flare-up.

A form of eczema that appears on the hands and feet where small blisters of serum form just below the skin's surface is the dyshidrotic eczema. This condition is also accompanied with deep, painful cracks in the skin and superficial scaling and it is important to distinguish it from an allergic contact dermatitis. This eczema appears periodically throughout adulthood and tends to be a chronic condition.

Although in the past it was said that sweat gland dysfunction or sweat retention play a pathogenetic role, that is not correct. Atopy, contact allergy, constant irritation, primary fungal infections and fungal id-reactions are some etiologic factors for dyshidrotic eczema, and an idiopathic form is also recognized. In what concerns smoking and excessive coffee consumption, it is believed that they have an aggravating function.

The cause of the dyshidrotic eczema is unknown, but it seems it appears seasonal. Some persons have an allergic predisposition and some cases can appear because of the contact with substances causing allergic skin reactions. This eczema affects both men and women, its onset occurs before the age of 40, and persons who have emotional stress are more predisposed to develop flare-ups of this disease.

In order to put the diagnostic, the doctor will examine the patient, will ask about his medical history, and will start excluding other skin diseases. In order to exclude underlying contact allergies, patch testing is used. There must be also ruled out the possible etiologic factors, before settling on the diagnosis idiopathic dyshidrotic eczema.

An important role in treating this disorder play the corticosteroid creams and ointments, and the use of oral or intramuscular corticosteroid is needed when severe attacks appear. To reduce itching, there are used oral antihistamines, and if it is an infection, antibiotics are necessary.