Dyshidrotic eczema

What medications are there for dyshidrotic eczema?

Treatments for dyshidrotic eczema are prescribed to control your blister eruptions. Because the symptoms tend to come and go, they can occur over the course of several months or even years.

The options you’re recommended will depend on the severity of your symptoms, and how the blisters are affecting you. Typically, treatment involves using moisturisers, steroid creams and ointments. Antiseptic solutions such as potassium permanganate might be suggested if your blisters are leaking, as they can help kill bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. This process can sometimes be painful though, so antibiotics tend to only be prescribed if your blisters are infected.

Topical steroids that might help clear your blisters include Dermovate, Betnovate and Hydrocortisone, among others. Creams are a safe option for skin that is moist, which might be the best option if your blisters are leaking.

Ointments like Hydromol are designed to restore your skin’s natural barrier, and are sometimes used to treat psoriasis and ichthyosis. These might be suggested if your skin’s become dry or broken. Our clinicians will ask you about your symptoms, and recommend a treatment they think will be best for your specific needs.

Are dyshidrotic eczema treatments available over the counter?

Moisturisers and emollients are widely available over the counter from supermarkets and pharmacies. They can help soothe inflamed and damaged skin by relieving dryness, and often contain added ingredients, such as vitamin E, that can help repair skin.

Milder versions of corticosteroids like hydrocortisone are sometimes available as part of topical formulas you can buy without a prescription, but they might not be suitable to treat your dyshidrotic eczema. Our clinicians will only prescribe medications they think are safe for you to use, with your health background and any factors that might make a treatment unsuitable taken into account.

Does dyshidrotic eczema always need treatment?

Dyshidrotic eczema symptoms can occur sporadically, and often return over time. Treatments can help relieve the discomfort the blisters cause, but some people might find their skin heals without the need for any medication.

As with all dermatological conditions, keeping on top of flare-ups can often come down to a personal skincare routine. Because dyshidrotic eczema tends to affect people long-term, you might find your own approaches mean you can eventually rely less on medication, and instead use practical measures to relieve your symptoms.

Avoiding detergents or soaps that irritate your skin, washing your hands with lukewarm water and using fragrance-free soaps and perfumes can all help improve your blisters. Choosing certain materials for socks and stockings, such as nylon, can also help.

Our clinicians are always on hand to give you practical advice about managing your dyshidrotic eczema.