This the continuation on my previous post about a common type of eczema, Dyshidrosis or dyshidrotic eczema. In this post, we take a look at the common causes for this type of eczema.

While the definite cause of dyshidrosis are unknown, there are a number of common triggers:

- Dyshidrosis has been historically linked to excessive sweating during periods of anxiety, stress, and frustration, however, many cases present that have no history of excessive sweating, and the hypothesis of dyshidrosis as a sweating disorder is largely rejected. Some patients reject this link to stress, though as a trigger of vesicular eruption it cannot be overlooked, as with other types of eczema.

-Vesicular eruption of the hands may also be caused by a local infection, with fungal infections being the most common. Sunlight is thought to bring on attacks, some patients link outbreaks to prolonged exposure to strong sunlight from late spring through to early autumn.[citation needed]. Others have also noted outbreaks occurring in conjunction with exposure to chlorinated pool water or highly treated city tap waters.

-Soaps, detergents, fragrances and contact with fruit juices or fresh meat also can trigger outbreaks of dyshidrosis, as with other types of eczema.

-Systemic nickel allergies may be related.

-Keeping skin damp will trigger or worsen an outbreak. For this reason, people with dyshidrosis should wear gloves, socks, and shoes made of materials which “breathe well”, such as cotton or silk. Certain fabrics may greatly irritate the condition, including wool, nylon and many synthetic fabrics. [citation needed]

-Inherited, not contagious. Often, patients will present with other types of dermatitis, such as seborrheic dermatitis or atopic eczema. For this reason, among others, dyshidrosis is often dismissed as atopic eczema or contact dermatitis.

-Can be the secondary effect of problems in the gut.[citation needed] Some sufferers claim diet can ease symptoms (relieving internal condition of IBS or intestinal yeast infection).[citation needed] Also Inflammatory bowel diseases of Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. [citation needed]

-Bandages, plasters or other types of skin-tapes may be irritating to dyshidrosis and should be avoided. As the skin needs to breathe, anything that encourages maceration of the palms should be avoided. If the ‘wounds’ are raw enough to warrant covering, pure cotton gloves or gauze should be used. Liquid Band-Aid brand bandage may be tolerated and helpful, refer to the Treatment section, below.

-Latex and vinyl gloves may increase irritation.

-Multiple Chemical Sensitivity