Dyshidrotic eczema
Clear the blisters on your hands and feet.
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Dyschidrotic eczema causes blisters to appear on your hands and the soles of your feet. Also known as pompholyx, the condition often needs long-term management.
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Pompholyx, or dyshidrotic eczema, is a skin condition that causes an eruption of blisters across your hands (usually the fingers), and the bottoms of your feet. The condition is sometimes referred to by different names, including recurrent vesicular hand dermatitis, cheiropompholyx, and acute palmoplantar eczema.
Symptoms usually start as a burning sensation on your skin, on areas where fluid-filled blisters then appear. When the blisters fade, they can leave cracked patches of skin on your hands and feet that are often painful. The blisters can sometimes become infected — if this happens, antibiotics might be prescribed.
Dyshidrotic eczema tends to affect both men and women, but it’s more common in young adults. An eruption of blisters on the hands and feet can occur as a one-off, but sometimes the condition affects those who have it over time, meaning the symptoms will reoccur.
When the term “dyshidrosis” was originally used in 1873 to describe the condition, it was thought that an abnormality in the sweat glands was the cause of the blisters. This theory has since been disproven though — people who get dyshidrotic eczema might find their hands and feet sweat excessively, but this isn’t the cause of the blisters.
If dyshidrotic eczema runs in your family, or if you have other forms of eczema which affect your hands or feet, like atopic dermatitis, you might be more likely to develop blister flare-ups.
It’s hard to say specifically how common dyshidrotic eczema is. The factors that put you at risk for developing blisters on your hands and feet can depend on your triggers, which can often be personal and aren’t the same for everyone.
Despite a lack of concrete information about why dyshidrotic eczema occurs, around 5-20% of hand eczema is thought to be caused by the condition.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema isn’t known. However, there are some things which are thought to trigger symptoms. These can vary from person-to-person. Coming into contact with particular chemicals, like those found in soaps and detergents, can cause dyshidrotic eczema symptoms to flare up in some people. Allergies to metals like cobalt or nickel are also thought to be a potential cause of the blisters. For others, heat, sweat, or having constantly wet hands can aggravate symptoms.
In a study that looked at 120 patients with dyshidrotic eczema over a three-year period, allergic contact reactions were found to be the main cause of the symptoms. Hygiene and cosmetic products were responsible for the most cases, with reactions to metals the second highest cause.
Dyshidrotic eczema normally begins as itchy skin that causes a burning sensation or feels prickly. It then develops into small, watery blisters that appear on the hands (usually the fingers), and soles of the feet. The blisters can change in size over time, and are normally filled with fluid. If the blisters weep, they can become infected.
The blister eruptions typically last for around 2-3 weeks. When the blisters dry, the skin on the affected areas can become dry, red and sore. The dried blisters can become itchy, and create an urge to scratch which can make your skin bleed.
Dyshidrotic eczema is sometimes referred to as looking like ‘tapioca pudding’, because of the bubble-like pattern of the blisters. Pompholyx, an Ancient Greek word meaning bubble, is another name for the condition for this same reason.
It’s unlikely dyshidrotic eczema will lead to any other conditions, but without the right treatment the blisters can cause pain and discomfort over time. Because they occur on your hands and feet, the blisters are in regular contact with work surfaces and shoes, meaning they’re often at risk of friction and rubbing, which can make them worse. This can impact your ability to perform at work, and carry out everyday tasks.
If the blisters become infected and crusty, or start to ooze, a clinician will usually recommend using antibiotics to treat them.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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.
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.
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.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx, Vesicular Hand Eczema) — DermNet.
“Dyshidrotic Eczema: A Common Cause of Palmar Dermatitis.” Cureus.
“Dyshidrotic Eczema and Its Relationship to Metal Allergy.” Current Problems in Dermatology, vol. 51, 2016, pp. 80–85.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27584966
“A 3-Year Causative Study of Pompholyx in 120 Patients.” Archives of Dermatology, vol. 143, no. 12, 1 Dec 2007.
Contains two ingredients that help relieve itching and increase hydration in your skin.
An effective emollient that helps hydrate your skin, whilst also making it soft and supple.
Similar to Betnovate but with a much lower concentration. Suitable for treating and managing mild eczema.
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