Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDiagnosisTriggersCleansingProtectionMoisturizingPrescription TreatmentsPhototherapyHome Remedies
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Triggers
Cleansing
Protection
Moisturizing
Prescription Treatments
Phototherapy
Home Remedies
Dyshidrotic eczema(DE) is a chronic skin condition that causes small blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the edges of fingers and toes. The blistering rash is itchy and can produce a burning sensation.
Initial dyshidrotic eczema treatment usually includes avoiding triggers and applying moisturizers to the affected skin. When the condition is severe, a healthcare provider may prescribe topical, oral, or injectable medications.
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Dyshidrotic eczema (also calledpompholyx) is a skin condition that results in small blisters on the fingers, toes, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. It originates with a rash of painful vesicles (blisters) which may cause an itching and/or burning sensation. As the blisters heal, the remaining skin is dry, tender, and peeling.
The cause of DE is unknown, but it may be genetic. It also occurs more frequently in people who have other forms of eczema as well as allergies.
DE is most common in people in their 20s through 40s. While it usually comes and goes, it is possible to have a single flare-up of the condition.Dyshidrotic eczema can’t be cured, but there are many effective treatment options to prevent and manage flares.
Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema can resemble other skin conditions, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. They will examine your skin and ask questions about your symptoms.
A healthcare provider may perform skin patch tests to rule out allergies. If necessary, they may test a sample of the fluid in the blisters to check for an infection.
Specific factors may cause a flare-up of DE symptoms. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help someone manage the condition.
Common triggers for DE include:
Nickel and Cobalt in FoodFor some people, limiting foods and beverages that contain nickel and cobalt may help reduce flare-ups. These elements are found in many foods, including:CocoaChocolateOatmealNutsAlmondsFresh and dried legumesEggsGreen vegetablesMilk products
Nickel and Cobalt in Food
For some people, limiting foods and beverages that contain nickel and cobalt may help reduce flare-ups. These elements are found in many foods, including:CocoaChocolateOatmealNutsAlmondsFresh and dried legumesEggsGreen vegetablesMilk products
For some people, limiting foods and beverages that contain nickel and cobalt may help reduce flare-ups. These elements are found in many foods, including:
Cleansing Tips
Protection Tips
Preventing irritation can help skin heal and reduce potential flare-ups. To protect your skin:
How to Keep Skin Moisturized
DE flares can dry out the skin and exacerbate symptoms, so it’s important to moisturize affected hands and feet.
The best cream for dyshidrotic eczema is one that contains emollients, like ceramides or petroleum jelly (Vaseline). These help protect and repair the skin barrier.Avoid products that contain fragrance, alcohol, dyes, and other irritating substances.
To moisturize:
If your DE is more severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe topical, oral, or injectable medications such as:
Dyshidrotic Eczema and Sweat
If you experience flare-ups related to sweating in the area where you have blisters, your healthcare provider may suggest:
People with chronic, severe DE symptoms may benefit fromphototherapy(light therapy), a treatment performed in a healthcare provider’s office. A special machine emits either UVA or UVA light, which is directed toward the affected skin area for a few seconds or minutes. Phototherapy treatments can help reduce the itching and inflammation of eczema.
Some people find that home remedies, like the ones below, provide relief from the itching and burning that comes with DE flares. Check with your healthcare provider before trying any new therapy—even natural ones.
Summary
If you have a rash of small blisters on your hands or feet, you may have dyshidrotic eczema. Flare-ups may come and go, and be mild or severe.
Symptoms can usually be managed with a self-care routine that includes gentle cleansing, measures to protect affected skin, and frequent moisturizing. For severe DE symptoms, a treatment plan may include prescription medications and/or phototherapy.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.Dyshidrotic eczema.National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic Eczema.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema Types: Dyshidrotic Eczema Causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema Types: Dyshidrotic Eczema Causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema causes.Mania, Monika & Rebeniak, Małgorzata & Postupolski, Jacek. (2019).Food as a source of exposure to nickel. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny. 70. 393-399. 10.32394/rpzh.2019.0090.Genchi G, Lauria G, Catalano A, Carocci A, Sinicropi MS.Prevalence of Cobalt in the Environment and Its Role in Biological Processes. Biology (Basel). 2023 Oct 16;12(10):1335.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema self-care.National Eczema Association.Hand eczema.Elias PM, Sugarman J.Does moisturizing the skin equate with barrier repair therapy?Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;121(6):653-656.e2. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2018.07.008National Eczema Association.Lotion and moisturizer for eczema—everything you need to know.St. Clair Health.Dyshidrosis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.JAK Inhibitors: What Your Dermatologist Wants You to Know.National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic Eczema.National Eczema Association.Prescription Phototherapy.National Eczema Association.Top 7 Natural and Alternative Treatments for Eczema.Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M.The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020.National Eczema Foundation.Eczema and Bathing.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.Dyshidrotic eczema.National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic Eczema.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema Types: Dyshidrotic Eczema Causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema Types: Dyshidrotic Eczema Causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema causes.Mania, Monika & Rebeniak, Małgorzata & Postupolski, Jacek. (2019).Food as a source of exposure to nickel. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny. 70. 393-399. 10.32394/rpzh.2019.0090.Genchi G, Lauria G, Catalano A, Carocci A, Sinicropi MS.Prevalence of Cobalt in the Environment and Its Role in Biological Processes. Biology (Basel). 2023 Oct 16;12(10):1335.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema self-care.National Eczema Association.Hand eczema.Elias PM, Sugarman J.Does moisturizing the skin equate with barrier repair therapy?Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;121(6):653-656.e2. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2018.07.008National Eczema Association.Lotion and moisturizer for eczema—everything you need to know.St. Clair Health.Dyshidrosis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.JAK Inhibitors: What Your Dermatologist Wants You to Know.National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic Eczema.National Eczema Association.Prescription Phototherapy.National Eczema Association.Top 7 Natural and Alternative Treatments for Eczema.Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M.The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020.National Eczema Foundation.Eczema and Bathing.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mount Sinai.Dyshidrotic eczema.National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic Eczema.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema Types: Dyshidrotic Eczema Causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema Types: Dyshidrotic Eczema Causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema causes.Mania, Monika & Rebeniak, Małgorzata & Postupolski, Jacek. (2019).Food as a source of exposure to nickel. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny. 70. 393-399. 10.32394/rpzh.2019.0090.Genchi G, Lauria G, Catalano A, Carocci A, Sinicropi MS.Prevalence of Cobalt in the Environment and Its Role in Biological Processes. Biology (Basel). 2023 Oct 16;12(10):1335.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema self-care.National Eczema Association.Hand eczema.Elias PM, Sugarman J.Does moisturizing the skin equate with barrier repair therapy?Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;121(6):653-656.e2. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2018.07.008National Eczema Association.Lotion and moisturizer for eczema—everything you need to know.St. Clair Health.Dyshidrosis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.JAK Inhibitors: What Your Dermatologist Wants You to Know.National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic Eczema.National Eczema Association.Prescription Phototherapy.National Eczema Association.Top 7 Natural and Alternative Treatments for Eczema.Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M.The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020.National Eczema Foundation.Eczema and Bathing.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema causes.
Mania, Monika & Rebeniak, Małgorzata & Postupolski, Jacek. (2019).Food as a source of exposure to nickel. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny. 70. 393-399. 10.32394/rpzh.2019.0090.
Genchi G, Lauria G, Catalano A, Carocci A, Sinicropi MS.Prevalence of Cobalt in the Environment and Its Role in Biological Processes. Biology (Basel). 2023 Oct 16;12(10):1335.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema self-care.
National Eczema Association.Hand eczema.
Elias PM, Sugarman J.Does moisturizing the skin equate with barrier repair therapy?Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;121(6):653-656.e2. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2018.07.008
National Eczema Association.Lotion and moisturizer for eczema—everything you need to know.
St. Clair Health.Dyshidrosis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.JAK Inhibitors: What Your Dermatologist Wants You to Know.
National Eczema Association.Prescription Phototherapy.
National Eczema Association.Top 7 Natural and Alternative Treatments for Eczema.
Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M.The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020.
National Eczema Foundation.Eczema and Bathing.
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