Dyshidrosis: Symptoms and Causes

Overview

• Dyshidrosis, also known as dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx, is a skin condition.
• Characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters on palms, sides of fingers, and sometimes soles of feet.
• Blisters are itchy and last a few weeks, often recurring.
• Treatment usually involves prescription steroid creams, light therapy, or oral/injection medications.
• Severity of symptoms determines treatment.

Symptoms

• Painful, itchy, fluid-filled blisters on fingers, palms, or feet soles.
• Blisters are small, about the width of pencil lead, and appear in clusters.
• Severe cases can involve larger blisters due to merging.
• Blisters eventually dry and flake off.
• Condition may recur regularly over months or years.

When to See a Doctor

• See a doctor if the rash is severe, persists, or spreads beyond hands and feet.

Causes

• Exact cause unknown.
• Often occurs alongside atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergies such as hay fever or glove allergy.
• Not contagious.

Risk Factors

• Stress: Occurs more frequently during emotional or physical stress.
• Metal Exposure: Cobalt and nickel exposure, often industrial.
• Sensitive Skin: Rash from certain irritants increases risk.
• Atopic Dermatitis: Those with this condition may develop dyshidrosis.

Complications

• Generally an itchy inconvenience.
• Pain and itching can limit hand/foot use.
• Intense scratching can lead to bacterial infection.
• Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur, especially in people with brown or Black skin, but typically resolves over time.

Prevention

• No known prevention.
• Manage stress and avoid metal salts like cobalt and nickel.
• Adopt good skin care practices:
  • Use mild, non-soap cleansers and lukewarm water.
  • Dry hands well.
  • Apply moisturizer twice daily.
  • Wear gloves to prevent irritation; try cotton gloves if allergic to others.

Note

The content is written by Mayo Clinic Staff and references several sources including clinical dermatology resources and expert opinions.