Dyshidrosis, which the medical community sometimes refers to as dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx, is essentially an extreme allergic reaction to an allergen that causes blotchy red skin and large patches of thick, red blisters. At the time of publication, the exact cause of the reaction was unknown but when a patient is getting diagnosed, diet is taken into consideration.
Diagnosing
Patients report to their primary physicians, who then refer them to dermatologists. Several factors are taken into consideration, such as job or work-related stress and existing allergies, depending on the severity of the symptoms, since these may induce the blisters, according to The National Institutes of Health. In the case of food allergies, other symptoms such as intestinal cramping are examined, which are perhaps indicative of a severe reaction. This means the appearance of dyshidrotic blisters are the "tip of the iceberg."
Possible Culprits
Recently-ingested foods and their ingredients as well as condiments and spices are explored, whether prepared at home or at restaurants, according to "Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies." Common food allergies are adverse reactions to tree nuts and shellfish such as crab or shrimp; thus, doctors administer small dosages of these foods to determine the degree of reaction on the skin. In severe cases, for instance, peanut oil is blotted on the skin, then checked for the presence of splotching or blisters.
Treatment
Since no current cure for dyshydrotic blistering is known, the symptoms are addressed directly. If a certain food is deemed as the precursor to blistering, the food is to be avoided as well as any foods containing that particular food. Over-the-counter topical corticosteroids may be applied twice daily or as the doctor directs, and oral anti-histamines are perhaps prescribed in conjunction with the creams or gels. Depending on the level of success with this approach, the doctor may prescribe steroidal tablets, application of a coal and tar mixture that "chokes" the blisters and eases itching or a series of exposure treatments using ultraviolet light.
A Word of Caution
Typically, once the cause is ascertained and treatment is successful, the patient simply avoids ingesting the food or ingredient. However, if nausea or intestinal discomfort accompanies the appearance of dyshydrotic blisters, the patient should seek immediate medical attention. It is important to determine if a risk exists for anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that has potentially fatal implications, if not treated timely.
References
- PubMed Health: Dyshidrotic Eczema
- "Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies"; Frances Sizer Webb, et al.; 2008
