One trigger that has been identified in some people with dyshidrotic eczema is chocolate. Chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA), which acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and has mood-boosting effects. PEA levels are increased during times of stress, which may explain why some people crave chocolate when they’re feeling anxious or down.
Do you love chocolate but find yourself breaking out in itchy, painful blisters? You may have dyshidrotic eczema, a type of skin inflammation that affects the hands and feet. While the exact cause is unknown, stress and seasonal changes are thought to be triggers.
There’s no cure for dyshidrotic eczema, but treatments can help relieve symptoms. If you have mild case, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may be all you need to control itching and pain. For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids or other drugs such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus ointment. Ultraviolet light therapy may also be used to treat flare-ups.
If you have dyshidrotic eczema, there are some things you can do at home to help manage your condition:
- Avoidtrigger factors if possible — this includes stressors like work deadlines as well as exposureto harsh chemicals or extremes of heat or cold + Keep your nails cut short — long nails can trap bacteriaand worsen blistering + Wear gloves when coming into contact with irritants suchas cleaning products + Apply moisturizer regularly — this helps prevent drynesswhich can trigger an outbreak + Take regular bathsor showers using nonirritating soapsto remove any build-upof irritants on your skin
If you have dyshidrotic eczema, chocolate may be one of your triggers. While it’s hard to avoid all chocolate (and who would want to?), being aware of this trigger can help you manage your condition.