Re: dyshidrosis or dyshidrotic Eczema

I, too, recently discovered that I have dishydrotic dermatitis, or pompholyx.

My hands and feet, in a flare-up, are covered with the beginning postules that break and become scabs. My skin cracks and bleeds and the itch is enough to drive someone crazy - that someone being me.

There's all kinds of advice out there and I've tried pretty much all of it - the "chemical" approach - steroidal creams, cortisone, anti-biotics... the herbal approach - chaparral extraction, evening primrose, Plantolin... all have minor effects on the outbreaks, but nothing that clears. Here's what I know and do...

I've had this all my life. I remember these little "bubbles" on my hands as a child. My father had it. It seems to be something hereditary that loiters, waiting for an opportunity to strike. My first bad flare-up occurred after a session of anti-biotics (the first in over 20 years) taken for bronchial pneumonia. Obviously, my body was under stress and unable to keep this shadow disease at bay any longer. It got loose.

If an outbreak threatens, at the sight of even the smallest little "bubble", I break open capsules of brand name Exact Garlic Oil (1500 mcg), and rub the contents of one on each foot, and one for both hands, put socks on and cotton gloves. This I do before I go to bed. My husband gets hungry because I smell like salami - we giggle. It works.

I've tried real garlic but it's a little harsh on healthy skin, which only makes it worse. The capsules are perfect.

During the day, I use Lac-Hydrin (from the makers of Moisturel), a 12% lactate lotion. It stings where the cracks are for a bit, but when the sting is gone, so is the itch. If a really bad crack develops, I use plain ol' iodine. Again, it stings, but nothing has healed the cracks as fast.

With this compound treatment, I have been wound-free for several months so far, and still counting. Mine WAS as bad as the photos, but all clear now.

And I know they say not to use hot water, but the itch is sometimes all-consuming. Hot water takes the itch away and anything is better than scratching. Use it only as a last resort, tho.

And good luck! Tweet