Dry skin, common in winter months, resolves with basic lotion use. Eczema, a type of itchy and dry skin rash, can last all year and does not always go away without using thick ointments or even prescription corticosteroid creams. Blistery eczema, called dyshidrosis, is an even more specific type of skin condition that causes extreme itching during the blister phase and causes pain and bleeding when the blisters crack open into deep skin tears. Unlike more mild forms of eczema and dry skin, dyshidrosis doesn't usually resolve on its own without treatment.
Cleansing and Eczema Creams
Treatment for eczema blisters usually begins just as for other types of eczema, with corticosteroid creams and a regular cleansing and moisturizing routine. Cleansing with non-soap agents and moisturizing with thick barrier ointments like are effective techniques to supplement all eczema treatments, and they aid in preventing infection in the irritated skin tissue as well. Corticosteroid creams are started at low doses once or twice daily, and the concentrations and strengths of the drug are increased until the most benefit is seen. Ideally, a person with eczema will continue a cleansing routine and avoid triggers of a flare-up so that corticosteroid creams can be stopped. In people with eczema blisters, though, repeated flare-ups are very common, and corticosteroids alone are often not successful.
Nonsteroidal Eczema Creams
When corticosteroid creams are not enough to reduce swelling, redness, pain and itch with eczema blisters, drugs with ultraviolet light ray application or drugs like Protopic (tacrolimus) that change the immune system may be used. Light therapy can reduce bacteria and swelling in the skin. Immune system drugs can increase the risk of infection in the irritated skin.
Home Remedies
Alternative treatments and home remedies may improve quality of life, especially during intensely itchy periods of eczema blisters. For example, cool compresses can soothe the red flare-ups during blister development, and oolong teas can improve dermatitis symptoms in patients with allergies. However, many alternative treatments are unstudied and unproven even in the early 21st century, and they may even be dangerous to people with eczema blisters and allergies (e.g., chamomile tea reactions because of seasonal allergies).
