Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as dyshidrosis or pompholyx, is a type of eczema that causes a blistering rash on the hands or feet, especially the fingers, palms, and soles.
The blisters are small and often very itchy.
Dyshidrotic eczema is the third most common dermatitis, or inflammation, of the hands. It's twice as common in women as men.
About half of those who suffer from dyshidrotic eczema also have atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema.
Dyshidrotic eczema is also a side effect of intravenous immunoglobulin infusions (IVIG), which are typically used to treat certain immune system diseases.
Symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema
The characteristic blisters of this condition are:
- Small, similar to grains of tapioca
- Filled with clear fluid
- In clusters between your fingers and toes or on the edges of your fingers, toes, palms, or soles
- Very itchy and sometimes painful
The blisters usually dry and peel in about three weeks. The skin beneath them may be scaly, red, cracked, and painful.
The cause of dyshidotric eczema is unknown, but more than one factor is likely involved.
It may occur along with atopic dermatitis or hay fever, flaring seasonally along with any allergies you may have.
About 40 percent of people with this skin condition are also troubled with hands or feet that perspire heavily.
Dyshidrotic eczema is more likely to occur if you:
- Are under stress
- Have atopic dermatitis
- Have sensitive skin in general
- Have allergies, including hay fever
- Wash your hands frequently or your hands are often in water
- Work with cement
- Expose your hands to metals, such as chromium, cobalt, or nickel
- Receive intravenous immunoglobulin infusions to treat another medical condition
Diagnosing Dyshidotric Eczema
Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose dyshidrotic eczema simply by visually examining the rash.
A biopsy isn't always necessary, but it can rule out psoriasis and a fungal infection.
You may have an allergy patch test to determine if an allergy is involved.
The most effective treatment for mild or moderate dyshidotric eczema is to moisturize your hands or feet with a lotion, cream, or ointment, such as petroleum jelly.
The moisturizer you use should be free of fragrance, dyes, or alcohol.
If allergies are the cause, an over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamine should offer some relief.
For itching, try an OTC topical corticosteroid cream (also called a topical steroid or topical cortisone cream), cold compresses, or applications of witch hazel.
Treatment for Dyshidotric Eczema
If your skin condition is severe, your healthcare provider also may prescribe steroid pills, coal tar preparations, phototherapy, or a combination of these.
If you scratch excessively, your skin may become thick or hard, which makes treatment more difficult.
Constant scratching also tears the skin, increasing the risk of skin infection.
In severe cases, when you have a lot of pain, use of your hands or feet may be limited.
There is no cure for dyshidotric eczema, and it may reappear on a regular basis over the course of weeks, months, or years.
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Last Updated: 3/13/2015