What is the Difference Between Dyshidrotic Eczema and Herpetic Whitlow?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Dyshidrotic eczema and herpetic whitlow are two different skin conditions that may appear similar but have distinct characteristics and treatments. The main differences between the two are:
- Causes: Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin condition caused by skin contact with a substance that causes irritation or an allergic reaction, while herpetic whitlow is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is contagious.
- Symptoms: Dyshidrotic eczema causes a sudden rash of small, itchy blisters across the fingers, on the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. Herpetic whitlow, on the other hand, causes painful blisters to develop near the fingernails.
- Prevalence: Dyshidrotic eczema is more common, accounting for 5% to 20% of all cases of hand dermatitis. Herpetic whitlow is less common, affecting only about 2 people per 100,000 in the United States.
- Treatment: The treatment for dyshidrotic eczema is tailored to the symptoms and often focuses on decreasing inflammation. Herpetic whitlow treatment involves addressing the viral infection and may include antiviral medications.
It is essential to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional to determine the correct treatment for the specific condition.
Comparative Table: Dyshidrotic Eczema vs Herpetic Whitlow
Dyshidrotic Eczema and Herpetic Whitlow are two skin conditions that can affect the fingers, hands, and feet, causing painful blisters. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:
Feature | Dyshidrotic Eczema | Herpetic Whitlow |
---|---|---|
Causes | Not contagious, may be related to allergies, fungal infections, or genetic predisposition | Contagious, caused by herpes simplex virus |
Symptoms | Sudden rash of small, itchy blisters across the fingers, palms, and soles of the feet | Painful blisters near the fingernail, typically on only one side |
Affected Areas | Fingers, palms, and soles of the feet | Fingernails, fingers, and sometimes hands and feet |
Commonality | 5-20% of hand dermatitis cases | Affects 2 people per 100,000 |
Diagnosis | Clinical appearance, may include potassium hydroxide wet mount or rapid plasma reagin testing | May include viral culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing |
Treatment | Topical corticosteroids, emollients, antihistamines, or topical immunomodulators like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus | Antiviral medications and pain relief |
It is essential to diagnose the correct condition to receive the appropriate treatment. Dyshidrotic Eczema is more common and usually not contagious, while Herpetic Whitlow is less common and contagious, caused by the herpes simplex virus.
- Eczema vs Ringworm
- Eczema vs Dermatitis
- Eczema vs Hives
- Impetigo vs Herpes
- Atopic Dermatitis vs Eczema
- Eczema vs Psoriasis
- Shingles vs Herpes
- Acne vs Herpes
- Aphthous Ulcers vs Herpetic Ulcers
- Dermatophytosis vs Dermatomycosis
- Herpes Simplex vs Varicella Zoster
- Syphilis vs Herpes
- Genital Warts vs Herpes
- Atopic Dermatitis vs Contact Dermatitis
- Seborrheic Dermatitis vs Psoriasis
- Herpes Zoster vs Genital Herpes
- Pimple vs Herpes
- Cold Sore vs Herpes
- Acne vs Eczema