Dyshidrotic eczema

We’ll deliver to you by

Get your treatment

Dyshidrotic eczema

Also known as pompholyx

100% free online consultation & aftercare
No phone or video call required
Free delivery by

Get your treatment

Rated

4.5

Get your treatment

Rated

4.5

Summary

Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin condition causing itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the hands and feet.
The exact cause is unknown, but triggers can include allergies, irritants, and stress.
Treatment includes topical corticosteroids, moisturisers, and oral medications.

Dyshidrotic eczema: essential info
Causes and symptoms
What are my options?
FAQ

Reviewed on November 28, 2023. by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)

Next review due on November 28, 2026

Last updated on November 27, 2023

Find the dyshidrotic eczema treatment that’s best for you.

We’ve got a range of options, and our clinicians can help you find the one that’s best for your body and your budget.

Fucidin Cream

Fusidic Acid

In stock

Topical antibiotic cream for aggravated skin. Stops bacteria from growing to help clear your infection.

Starting from £33.95

Start now

Eumovate

Clobetasone butyrate

In stock

Steroid treatment that calms down inflamed, dry and itchy skin during flare-ups, with few side effects.

Starting from £42.95

Start now

Betnovate

Betamethasone

In stock

Steroid cream that treats eczema, psoriasis and other forms of dermatitis.

Starting from £39.95

Start now

Fifty:50

White soft paraffin, Liquid paraffin

In stock

Soothing and moisturising treatment for very dry skin. Free from additives or preservatives.

Starting from £34.95

Start now

Hydromol

Various emollient agents

In stock

Moisturises dry skin and helps protect the skin barrier.

Starting from £36.95

Start now

Mometasone

In stock

Helps reduce swelling, redness and itching. Generic version of Elocon.

Starting from £42.95

Start now

Dermovate

Clobetasol propionate

In stock

A strong steroid which reduces redness and inflammation. Treats different types of eczema.

Starting from £39.95

Start now

Dermol

Benzalkonium, Chlorhexidine, Isopropyl, Liquid Paraffin

In stock

Cream, lotion or wash to soothe and hydrate dry and itchy skin, and treat or prevent infections.

Starting from £39.95

Start now

Doublebase

Isopropyl myristate, Liquid paraffin

In stock

An effective emollient that helps hydrate your skin, whilst also making it soft and supple.

Starting from £39.95

Start now

Fucidin H

Fusidic acid, Hydrocortisone acetate

In stock

Two-in-one cream that treats bacterial infections while reducing inflammation.

Starting from £37.95

Start now

Betnovate RD

Betamethasone valerate

In stock

Similar to Betnovate but with a much lower concentration. Suitable for treating and managing mild eczema.

Starting from £49.95

Start now

Elocon

Mometasone furoate

In stock

Cream, ointment or scalp lotion containing a potent steroid. Soothes and hydrates dry and itchy skin.

Starting from £42.95

Start now

Epaderm

Liquid paraffin, emulsifying wax

In stock

Effective moisturiser that keeps your skin hydrated. Also fragrance and harsh chemical-free.

Starting from £29.95

Start now

Flexitol

Urea

In stock

Treats dry skin by increasing moisture and preventing water loss.

Starting from £39.95

Start now

Hydrocortisone

In stock

Widely used corticosteroid for irritated skin. Available as a cream or an ointment.

Starting from £39.95

Start now

Ultraveen Itch Relief Cream

Urea; Colloidal oats

Out of stock

Contains two ingredients that help relieve itching and increase hydration in your skin.

Starting from £39.95

Out of stock

What is dyshidrotic eczema?

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.^[1]

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.^[2]

Who gets dyshidrotic eczema?

Dyshidrotic eczema tends to affect both men and women, but it’s more common in young adults.^[3] 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.

How common is dyshidrotic eczema?

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.^[3]

Treated trusted sources:

“Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx, Vesicular Hand Eczema) — DermNet.” Dermnetnz.org,
“Pompholyx (Dyshidrotic Eczema).” Nhs.uk, 18 Oct. 2017.
Calle Sarmiento, Paola Michelle, and Juan Jose Chango Azanza. “Dyshidrotic Eczema: A Common Cause of Palmar Dermatitis.” Cureus, 7 Oct. 2020,

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on November 28, 2023. Next review due on November 28, 2026.

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.

What causes dyshidrotic eczema?

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.^[2] 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.^[3]

What are the symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema?

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.^[1] 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.

Can dyshidrotic eczema lead to other problems?

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.

Treated trusted sources:

“Pompholyx (Dyshidrotic Eczema).” Nhs.uk, 18 Oct. 2017.
Nishizawa, A. “Dyshidrotic Eczema and Its Relationship to Metal Allergy.” Current Problems in Dermatology, vol. 51, 2016, pp. 80–85.
Guillet, Marie Hélène, et al. “A 3-Year Causative Study of Pompholyx in 120 Patients.” Archives of Dermatology, vol. 143, no. 12, 1 Dec 2007.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on November 28, 2023. Next review due on November 28, 2026.

How we source info.

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 cotton or bamboo, and avoiding nylon can also help.

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

How we source info.

FAQ: Dyshidrotic eczema

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.

How is dyshidrotic eczema diagnosed?

Answer:

Before we show you our treatment options, you’ll first need to answer some questions about your health. This is to give us a better idea of what you need, and how your symptoms are affecting you. Our clinicians then review these consultations to make a thorough diagnosis of your condition.

You’ll usually be asked to submit some photos of the affected areas, but it should be quite a straightforward diagnosis. Dyshidrotic eczema has a distinctive appearance, so our clinicians should easily be able to diagnose it and suggest the right treatments for you.

Is dyshidrotic eczema similar to any other skin conditions?

Answer:

Eczema has many forms, and there can be symptom crossover between conditions involving inflammation and dry skin. This means that the same topical corticosteroids, moisturisers and ointments can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions.

Dyshidrotic eczema is quite unique, as eruptions of small blisters across your hands and feet aren’t generally a symptom of any other dermatological conditions. Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), an autoimmune condition, can cause itchy blisters, but these are usually widespread and found all over the body. DH is normally caused by a reaction to gluten.

Can you get side effects from dyshidrotic eczema treatment?

Answer:

All treatments have the potential to cause side effects, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get any from the medication you use.

Each treatment we offer comes with a patient information leaflet (PIL), containing a full list of side effects you might experience, including how commonly people are affected by them. If you do get any side effects and they’re impacting how you use your treatment, you can let a clinician know and they’ll help you find an alternative.

Moisturisers, ointments, and topical steroids can all cause stinging or irritation after you’ve applied them, but it’s rarely serious and is often a sign that the medication is working properly.

Do dyshidrotic eczema treatments always work?

Answer:

We can’t say for sure whether a treatment will work. Dyshidrotic eczema tends to come and go, which means you might need to treat flare ups as they occur. People respond differently to medications, so finding the right one can sometimes involve a bit of trial-and-error.

Topical corticosteroids are used widely to treat a range of skin conditions,^[1] so you may find they help relieve your dyshidrotic eczema symptoms. Ointments, emollients and moisturisers are all commonly used to treat dry, irritated skin.

Treated trusted sources:

Gabros, S., Nessel, T.A. and Zito, P.M. (2023). Topical Corticosteroids. [online] PubMed.

Expertise you can trust.

Get to know the clinicians taking care of you. They’ll review your options and recommend the best treatment for you.

Online consultations: No appointments, no waiting rooms. Get treatment advice on your schedule.
Personalised aftercare: Regular follow-ups to help you get the most out of your treatment.

Meet the team

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)

Ms Sanjeda Chowdhury

Superintendent Pharmacist + Independent Prescriber

Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)

Mr Craig Marsh

Independent Prescriber

Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)

Registered, regulated and approved.

Our pharmacy, clinicians and treatments are all checked and monitored to ensure your safety.

This is healthcare on your terms.

All from the comfort of your device. Get access to what you need, when you need it.

100% online

Ask questions and get expert recommendations, at the touch of a button.

Tailored choices

We'll narrow down some treatments for you to choose from based on your medical profile.

Express delivery

Receive your treatment by secure delivery, in discreet packaging.

Repeats made easy

Set your own delivery schedule and pause or make changes any time you like.

See how it works

Your experiences with Treated

Treatment reviews
Service reviews

4.5

Average rating based on 2292 reviews.

Our verification process

I am super happy with your service only positive comments

Anonym Verified user on September 28, 2026

Perfect treatment and follow-up. I recommend it!

Anônimo Verified user on September 24, 2026

Good guidance. Great dialogues with the supervisor.

Harald Verified user on September 21, 2026

Treated is easy to navigate through. It made a significant difference to me to get access to the treatment quickly, safely, and convenienetly instead of waiting for months to go through the system. This has really impacted my life which was getting to a very uncomfortable point.

Sara Verified user on September 20, 2026

Quick and easy communication and help! I'll use it again

Claudia Verified user on September 16, 2026

Customer-friendly, service-oriented and excellent advice. I am extremely satisfied

Wilhelmina Antonia Verified user on September 15, 2026

See all our reviews