Dyshidrotic Eczema In Children: How To Treat It? – Being Parents

Although dyshidrotic eczema is not one of the most common skin conditions in children, it is necessary to act quickly when diagnosing the disease to avoid impaired quality of life and sleep due to intense itching. It is a pathology that concerns the surface of the skin, benign, non-contagious and, in most cases, which resolves on its own.

What is dyshidrotic eczema in children?

Dyshidrotic eczema is an inflammatory, chronic skin disease that causes itching, burning, and the consequent rash of blisters on the sides of the fingers. The most common places are the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet and the fingers of both. Although the symptoms are usually not severe, in some children the symptoms can be severe.

The cause of the trigger is unknown. However, there is a strong association with stress levels, a history of allergies, and atopic dermatitis.

Treatment options for dyshidrotic eczema

The dermatologist or the clinical doctor are those who are qualified to indicate the treatment to be followed. It will depend on the severity of the child’s injuries or symptoms.

Drug therapy

Drug therapy is indicated for severe itching and moderate lesions that decrease quality of life.

Moisturizing cream or emulsion

The use of moisturizers helps to keep the skin barrier intact. The choice of the product must be adapted to the needs of the skin and must contain vitamin A, vitamin E, allantoin and hyaluronic acid. Application should be constant and over the entire surface of the skin, not just the injured area.

Calcineurin cream

Topical calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, have the advantage of not having the local and systemic side effects caused by local steroids. Although they do the same job as corticosteroids, they can develop local reactions such as burning or itching.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are very helpful when the itchiness interferes with daily activities and even prevents you from falling asleep at night.

They are not the first treatment option, but are chosen to reduce itching until the clinical picture resolves. This allows the child to have a more pleasant sleep without interrupting the quality of life.

Topical antibiotics

Topical antibiotics, such as fusidic acid and mupirocin, are used in cases where lesions are detected with bacterial superinfection. For this reason, the application of the cream 3 times a day is indicated. At the same time, other treatment can be done in parallel to relieve the itching and the rest of the symptoms or signs that the child will have.

Topical corticosteroids

The first-line treatment for dyshidrotic eczema is topical corticosteroid therapy. They include different presentations and low, light or moderate power.

Medium strength creams relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and help resolve basic lesions. However, they should not be placed for long periods of time due to the great dependence they generate and, therefore, unwanted effects in the future.

Ultraviolet light and psoralen (PUVA) treatment

Phototherapy is the last treatment option in cases where the previous ones have not been effective. Therefore, the doctor will be the one who will indicate, depending on the severity of the injuries and their extent, the PUVA sessions to be performed.

Basic and hygienic measures

Basic and general skin care helps limit flare-ups and the severity of signs and symptoms. Some of the recommendations to follow are as follows:

• Do not use hot water.
• Use mild, fragrance and alcohol free cleansers.
• Always dry your hands and feet well.

• Avoid scratching so as not to superinfect the lesions.
• After drying your hands, apply cream to protect the skin surface.
• When doing the dishes, choose latex-free gloves.
• Avoid contact with irritants, such as solvents, detergents, or hair products.
• Avoid extreme climates, if possible.

Regarding dyshidrotic eczema in children …

Dyshidrotic eczema tends to develop during epidemics, so it is not easy to prevent due to its still uncertain origin. In turn, it is characterized by the presence of a cluster of small vesicles on the lateral regions of the fingers or toes, which tend to resolve spontaneously.

It is an inflammatory dermatological disease that does not present contagiousness or major complications. However, it is advisable to go to the medical consultation so that the healthcare professional indicates the medication to start.