MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Dyshidrotic eczema

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Dyshidrotic eczema

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms	Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Skin layers

Alternative names Return to top

Dyshidrosis; Pompholyx

Definition Return to top

Dyshidrotic eczema is a condition in which small blisters that cause intense itching develop on the hands and feet.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is not known, but it occasionally appears to be seasonal. Small fluid filled blisters called vesicles appear on the hands and feet. They are most common along the edges of the fingers, toes, palms and soles. The vesicles produce intense itching. Scratching leads to skin changes with thickening. Scratching may also lead to secondary infections.

Symptoms Return to top

Intense itching at the site of the blistering.
Cracks or fissures on the fingers or toes.
Pain may occur with larger blisters.

Signs and tests Return to top

Your physician may often diagnose dyshidrotic eczema based upon the appearance of your skin. Occasionally, a skin biopsy or skin scraping may be needed to rule out other causes.

Treatment Return to top

Moisturizers
Strong topical steroids
Avoid scratching
Oral anti-pruritics such as Atarax or Benadryl may alleviate itching

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Dyshidrotic eczema normally resolves without problems. Uninhibited scratching and skin trauma may lead to thick, irritated skin which is more difficult to treat and has a longer healing time.

Complications Return to top

Secondary bacterial infection
Pain and itching which limits the use of the hands

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Signs or symptoms of infection are present (tenderness, redness, warmth, or fever), or your rash does not clear with simple home therapy.

Update Date: 8/15/2003

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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