Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx, is a type of eczema (dermatitis) characterized by intensely itchy blisters that develop on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet. Dyshidrotic eczema may be acute, recurrent, or chronic, and it affects both teenagers and adults and is more common among women. Specific cause of dyshidrotic eczema is still unknown. However, a number of factors can increase your risk of developing dyshidrotic eczema, including stress, exposure to metals like nickel, cobalt, or chromium salts on your job, or contact with costume jewelry, sweaty or wet hands and feet, warm, humid weather, HIV infection, certain treatments for a weak immune system (immunoglobulin) and seasonal allergies.

The most noticeable symptom of dyshidrotic eczema are the small, itchy blisters, which typically appear in clusters. You may experience itching or a burning pain before blisters develop, red, cracked skin, sweaty skin around the blisters, and thickened nails. The severity of dyshidrotic eczema can range from mild to severe. Blisters can make walking difficult if you have a severe condition that affects your feet. While it can be challenging to cook, type, or wash dishes when you have blisters on your hands.

A steroid-containing ointment or cream can be used to treat dyshidrotic eczema in order to reduce swelling and remove blisters. If you have a severe flare-up, you might need to take a steroid drug and an antihistamine to treat the itch. You can also try some at-home remedies such as washing the affected area with a lukewarm water and a mild, scent-free soap, putting a cold, wet compress on the affected area for 15 minutes at a time several times a day, removing your jewelries as it trap moisture and can cause more blisters, wearing gloves when washing dishes, putting a thick moisturizer every time you take a bath or wash, avoiding triggers and by not scratching the blisters.

-DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

References:

• Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx)

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1122527-overview#:~:text=Dyshidrotic%20eczema%2C%20also%20termed%20pompholyx,it%20affects%20teenagers%20and%20adults.

• Dyshidrotic Eczema

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