Do you have small, itchy blisters on your feet, palms, and fingers? This condition is called Dyshidrotic Eczema, also known as dyshidrosis or pompholyx. It is a skin condition characterized by the formation of blisters on the soles of your feet and/or the palms of your hands and fingers. Blisters can appear as small, red bumps on the fingers and can spread to the backs of hands, limbs, and feet in severe cases. These blisters are typically very itchy and contain fluid. There is no cure, but blisters typically heal in 3-4 weeks. It can also be caused by a variety of factors, such as allergy, genetics, or stress.

The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown. It primarily affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40 and it is twice as common in women than men. People who suffer from dyshidrotic eczema are most likely hypersensitive to metal particularly cobalt or nickel, using a specific ingredient in a personal care product such as soap or moisturizer, medication, particularly birth control or aspirin, smoking (tobacco), and skin infection. Changes in the weather, as well as stress, can trigger dyshidrotic eczema. Some people get flares when it's hot and humid outside, while others get flares when the temperature drops and gets cold. Dyshidrotic eczema can range from mild to severe. The blisters can get infected especially if you scratch them. Signs that you have an infection may include pain, swelling, crusting, and pus in blisters.

If you have red and itchy skin for more than a week, see your doctor or dermatologist because blisters can be caused by a variety of skin conditions. If your case is severe or your symptoms have persisted for a long time, you a prescribed medication. For more severe cases, treatments may include antifungal medications, steroid tablets or creams, immunosuppressant creams or ointments, and/or UV light therapy. To minimize the symptoms, you may try home remedies such as washing your hands and feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, using stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, removing jewelry from your hands, and keeping the affected area well moisturized at all times. If your doctor suspects that the cause of your dyshidrotic eczema flares is nickel or cobalt allergy, they may recommend a low cobalt/nickel diet. Always remember, don’t scratch your blisters to avoid the worst results.

- PNFP Rowence Zorilla, RND

References:

1. Dyshidrotic (Dyshidrosis) Eczema

https://www.healthline.com/health/dyshidrotic-eczema#:~:text=Dyshidrotic%20eczema%2C%20also%20known%20as,on%20the%20hands%20and%20feet.

2. Dyshidrotic Eczema

By Stephanie Watson, Medically Reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava, MD on July 28, 2020

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/dyshidrotic-eczema