Dyshidrotic Eczema In Children: How To Treat It?
Although dyshidrotic eczema is not one of the most common dermatological conditions in children, it is necessary to act quickly when diagnosing the condition to avoid alteration of the quality of life and sleep due to intense itching. It is a pathology that involves the surface of the skin, benign, non-contagious and, in most cases, self-resolving.
What is dyshidrotic eczema in children?
Dyshidrotic eczema is an inflammatory and chronic skin disease that causes itching, burning and the consequent eruption of vesicles on the sides of the fingers. The most frequent locations are the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet and the fingers of both. Although the symptoms are not usually serious, in some children the symptoms can be severe.
The triggering cause is unknown. However, there is a strong association with stress levels, an allergic history, and atopic dermatitis.
Treatment options for dyshidrotic eczema
The dermatologist or clinical doctor are the ones who are qualified to indicate the treatment to follow. This will be according to the severity of the child’s injuries or symptoms.
Drug therapy
Treatment with drugs is indicated in cases with intense itching and moderate lesions that decrease the quality of life.
Moisturizing cream or emulsion
The use of moisturizing creams helps to keep the skin barrier intact. The choice of the product must be tailored to the needs of the skin and must contain vitamin A, vitamin E, allantoin and hyaluronic acid. The application must be constant and on the entire skin surface, not just the region with lesions.
Calcineurin cream
Topical calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, have the advantage of not generating the local and systemic adverse 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 useful when itching interferes with daily activities and even prevents you from falling asleep at night. They are not the first treatment option, but are chosen to mitigate the itching until the time of resolution of the clinical picture. 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 those cases in which the lesions are found with a bacterial superinfection. For this reason, the application of cream 3 times a day is indicated. In turn, another treatment can be done in parallel to relieve the itching and the rest of the symptoms or signs that the child will present.
Topical corticosteroids
The first-line treatment for dyshidrotic eczema is topical corticosteroids. They include different presentations and low, mild or moderate potency.
Medium strength creams relieve itching, reduce inflammation and contribute to the resolution of elementary lesions. However, they should not be placed for long periods of time due to the great dependence they generate and, therefore, adverse reactions in the future.
Treatment with ultraviolet light and psoralen (PUVA)
Phototherapy is the last treatment option in those cases in which the previous ones have not been effective. Consequently, the doctor will be the one to indicate, according to the severity of the injuries and the extent of them, the PUVA sessions to be carried out.
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 the following:
- Do not use hot water and opt for warm water.
- Use mild, fragrance- and alcohol-free cleaners.
- 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 washing dishes, choose latex-free gloves.
- Avoid contact with irritants, such as solvents, detergents, or hair products.
- Avoid extreme climates, if possible.
When it comes to dyshidrotic eczema in children …
Dyshidrotic eczema tends to develop in outbreaks, 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 great complications. However, it is advisable to go to the medical consultation so that the health professional indicates the medication to start.
