Dyshidrosis treatments may include antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve pain or discomfort around skin blisters, intense itching, burning, or irritation. These options can be used as creams, ointments, or tablets, depending on what the dermatologist recommends.
Treatment is tailored to age and symptom severity. A dermatologist will guide how to use each medicine safely and effectively, including dose and duration, to help control flare-ups and clear blisters sooner.
Some home remedies can complement medical care, such as jasmine tea or chamomile compresses, which may help ease symptoms more quickly. These supportive measures should never replace prescribed dyshidrosis treatments.
Common medications
The most common dyshidrosis treatments include:
1. Loratadine
Loratadine, as well as diphenhydramine, are antihistamines that help relieve intense itching, burning, and skin discomfort caused by dyshidrosis.
These medicines are usually taken as tablets and should not be used by children or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding unless recommended by a healthcare provider.
2. Betamethasone
Betamethasone is a topical corticosteroid with strong anti-inflammatory action that reduces inflammation and helps dry blisters, speeding their disappearance.
Another topical corticosteroid that may be prescribed is mometasone.
Treatment with a topical corticosteroid is often continued for up to 6 weeks, unless a doctor advises a different duration based on severity.
3. Prednisone
If dyshidrosis does not improve with topical therapy, a doctor may recommend oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone or prednisolone.
Corticosteroids, whether oral or topical, should be used only under the guidance of a dermatologist, in precise doses and for the prescribed time.
4. Tacrolimus
Tacrolimus ointment, as well as pimecrolimus, is a topical calcineurin inhibitor that can be used when corticosteroid creams are not effective or if there is a corticosteroid allergy.
These medicines reduce immune activity in the skin, helping control symptoms and prevent new blisters. Because they act on the immune system, they can increase the risk of skin infections and must be used only as directed by a dermatologist.
5. Potassium permanganate
Potassium permanganate may be recommended by some doctors for dyshidrosis because it has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal action that can help cleanse the skin, dry blisters, and support healing while reducing the risk of infection.
It can be applied as wet compresses to affected skin 2 to 3 times per day, as directed.
Use only under the guidance of a dermatologist, as it may cause irritation or burns.
6. Methotrexate
In selected cases, a dermatologist may prescribe methotrexate, an immunosuppressant that decreases immune activity and can relieve dyshidrosis symptoms.
Other immunosuppressants that may be considered for severe, treatment-resistant cases include azathioprine, cyclosporine, or mycophenolate mofetil. These options are less common and typically reserved for disease that does not respond to other treatments.
7. Cephalexin
Cephalexin is an antibiotic that may be prescribed if blisters become infected.
Other antibiotics that may be used include dicloxacillin or erythromycin, depending on the suspected bacteria and medical guidance.
Antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed and only when a bacterial infection is present.
Home remedies
A practical home remedy sometimes used for dyshidrosis is a jasmine tea compress. This involves adding 1 tablespoon of jasmine flowers to 1 quart (about 1 L) of boiling water, letting it cool, and straining the mixture. Clean compresses or gauze are soaked in the tea and applied to the affected skin for about 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 3 times daily or as needed for symptom relief.
Another option is a chamomile tea compress. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the skin and support healing, allowing blisters to dry and promoting skin regeneration. It may also help prevent bacterial growth.
These measures are supportive and should not replace dyshidrosis treatments prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Keeping your hands and feet clean and dry can help relieve dyshidrosis symptoms. Wash the affected areas with water and mild, fragrance-free soap, apply a moisturizer 2 to 3 times daily, and avoid contact with substances that may irritate your skin.