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List of All Topics
Dyshidrosis
Introduction
Dyshidrosis, also known as dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx, is a skin condition in which small, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) occur on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, or both.
The blisters that occur in dyshidrosis last up to three or four weeks, and cause intense itching. Once the blisters dry, cracks and grooves (fissures) form, which can be painful.
The cause of dyshidrosis isn't known. Treatment for dyshidrosis most often includes topical creams, wet compresses and ultraviolet light therapy. Even with treatment, recurrence of dyshidrosis is common.
Signs and symptoms
Dyshidrosis is marked by small, itchy bumps that gradually progress to a rash made up of fluid-filled blisters (vesicles). Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Intense itching.
- Cracks or grooves (fissures) on your fingers or toes.
- Pain, especially with large blisters.
Causes
The cause of dyshidrosis is unknown. However, it can be associated with a similar skin disorder called atopic dermatitis and other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Eruptions may be seasonal in people with allergies.
In dyshidrosis, the affected skin becomes inflamed (dermatitis). As a result, the junctions between the skin cells open and allow fluid (serum) to fill the spaces. Doctors refer to this process as spongiosis because the skin becomes more sponge-like with these many fluid-filled spaces.
The resulting small, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) most commonly occur on the palms and fingers of your hands and on the soles and toes of your feet. The blisters usually last for three to four weeks.
The blisters often cause intense itching. Scratching the blisters can damage the skin and, in some cases, lead to infection. Once the blisters dry, they often leave cracks and painful grooves (fissures) in your skin.
Treatment
A treatment plan for dyshidrosis may include:
- Corticosteroid creams or ointments. Your doctor may prescribe high-potency corticosteroid topical creams, such as clobetasol propionate (Temovate, others), to help speed the disappearance and improve the appearance of the blisters, and to treat the cracks and fissures that occur after the blisters have dried.
- Compresses. Wet or cold compresses can help alleviate itching, increase the effectiveness of the topical creams and minimize blisters.
- Antihistamines. Your doctor may prescribe anti-itching medications called anti-pruritics or antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin), to help alleviate itching.
Some doctors may consider recommending botulinum toxin injections to treat severe cases of dyshidrosis. This is a relatively new treatment option that has not yet gained acceptance among all physicians.
Recurrence of dyshidrosis is common even after treatment.
Prevention
Because the cause of dyshidrosis is generally unknown, there's no proven way to prevent this condition.
However, managing stress and avoiding exposure to metal salts, such as chromium and nickel, may help prevent dyshidrosis.
Information obtained from National Institute of Health