What is dyshidrotic eczema and what can you do about it?

Is your skin suffering from redness, inflammation, dryness, rashes, and itchiness? You may have eczema. 

In an episode of Pinoy MD, dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez said patients who have eczema usually also have problems with filaggrin.

"'Yung filaggrin na yan, yan ang nagbibigay ng moisture sa skin, and also yan ang responsible to normalize the PH [level] in the skin," Dr. Jean said.

Dr. Jean said when patients who lack filaggrin and are exposed to an irritant or a chemical can experience a reaction in the skin, especially after triggers from the change of weather, products you apply on your skin, dust, or type of food.

According to PinoyMD, there are several types of eczema, among which is dyshidrotic.

Dyschidrotic eczema can be hereditary, especially if the family has a history of asthma and allergies.

This is the case for AC who has been suffering from dyshidrotic eczema.

"Maliit lang siya sa una tapos namumula lang, parang konting rashes lang. Tapos the more mo siya kakamutin, the more siya lalaki. From maliit na isla, lalaki siya ng sobra. Yung body ko, pag nagkaka-flare up ako, parang Philippine islands," AC shared her experience.

AC said she couldn't help herself to scratch her skin especially when she's asleep.

"Tapos paggising mo, magugulat ka na lang marami ka nang dugo sa kama," she said.

AC admitted her skin condition has taken a toll in her confidence.

"Tinatago ko yung skin ko," she said. "Nakakawala din siya ng confidence. Minsan mahirap humarap sa ibang tao kasi nakikita nila yung panlabas mo," she added.

But despite how eczema looks, Dr. Jean clarified that it's not infectious. "It’s just an allergy. It’s not an infection, so hindi siya nakakahawa."

According to AC, some of her triggers are sweat, dust, and seafood. "And then yung weather, pag papalit-palit yung weather, sure ball, meron agad."

"Seasonal lang siya, pag sobrang init and then pag sobrang lamig. Pag pinapawisan. Ganun siya nag-start." she added.

Dr. Jean said AC's condition is "a combination of dyshidrotic eczema and atopic dermatitis. Meron ka ring asthma of the skin."

"Kapag ganyan na hindi siya nag-iimprove, you really have to look at the triggers," she added.

Dr. Jean recommended for AC to visit the clinic for UVB and nutritional counseling.

Aside from visiting the derma clinic, Dr. Jean said people with eczema should always protect their skin with moisturizer, avoid scratching the rashes, and avoid its triggers.

She said they can also soak their skin in water with salt in 10-15 minutes two times a day.