What Are the Treatments for Eczema Blisters?
Eczema is a skin condition with an unknown cause. Some scientists argue that eczema is hereditary; others contend the problem is caused by environmental factors. Eczema can cause a number of symptoms, including redness, itchiness and dry skin. Blisters also are possible; with active eczema, the blisters usually are tiny, exist along the surface of the skin and often become crusty. Certain types of eczema can cause larger blisters, fluid-filled blisters or other skin conditions that result in the appearance of blisters.
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Eczema Blisters
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All types of eczema can cause blisters, but certain kinds are especially prone to causing this symptom. Pompholyx is a type of eczema that primarily effects the hands and feet. Blisters, typically tiny and located deep within the skin on the palms, toes or instep of the foot, appear in acute pompholyx.
Treatments
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Treatments for eczema blisters depends on severity. Treatment can range from applying a cool compress to the blisters to using creams, antibiotics or steroids. New treatments, including using UV light, also have shown some success in treating eczema blisters.
A cool compress typically is the first recommended form of treatment for eczema blisters. Patients also can soak blistered hands in a compound of Condy's crystals, water and vinegar or aluminium acetate. This liquid compound can dry up blisters if you soak hands for 15 minutes four times daily.
Hand creams, including dimeticone barrier cream, also can be applied to blistered hands or feet.
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Steroids, Antibiotics.
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Topical steroid creams can be applied to blistered skin. Typically, such creams should not be used for longer than two weeks without checking with a physician. In severe cases, a cortisone injection or tablet might be recommended, but the eczema blisters can recur as soon as the medication is discontinued, and long-term treatment with oral or injected steroids is not recommended because of potential side effects.
Blisters or other eczema symptoms can result in a secondary infection, in which case antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat the infection. Antibiotics are not effective at treating the blisters.
PUVA Therapy
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In certain causes, UV therapy might be recommended. The blistered areas are typically soaked in a psoralen solution, then exposed to UV light. The treatments, known as PUVA therapy, are administered a few times a week over a period of months.
Prevention
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One of the best treatments for eczema blisters is to prevent them. Avoiding contact with irritants, such as perfumes, detergents, chemicals or even water, might be necessary. Some patients wear protective gloves to avoid coming into contact with irritants.
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