Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema)
Overview
Pompholyx (also called dyshidrotic eczema) is a type of eczema that affects the hands or feet. It's usually a long-term condition, but treatment can help control the symptoms.
Symptoms
Pompholyx causes itchy blisters on the hands or feet that come and go. The symptoms usually last 2 to 3 weeks at a time. The first symptom is often a burning or prickling feeling in the affected area. If you have pompholyx, your skin may get irritated easily. There are some things you can try to see if they help. wash your hands with warm (not hot or cold) water and use a moisturiser (emollient) soap substitute instead of regular soap wash your hands with warm (not hot or cold) water and use a moisturiser (emollient) soap substitute instead of regular soap wear protective gloves (ideally with a cotton lining) when using chemicals like shampoos, cleansers and detergents wear protective gloves (ideally with a cotton lining) when using chemicals like shampoos, cleansers and detergents wear socks, tights or stockings made from cotton or silk, rather than nylon wear socks, tights or stockings made from cotton or silk, rather than nylon wear shoes made from leather, rather than plastic or rubber wear shoes made from leather, rather than plastic or rubber avoid anything you think causes your symptoms, such as cleansers or detergents avoid anything you think causes your symptoms, such as cleansers or detergents do not burst your blisters do not burst your blisters
Causes
It's not clear exactly what causes pompholyx. Certain things are thought to cause symptoms in some people, including: contact with strong chemicals like soaps, cleansers and detergentsan allergy or sensitivity to certain metals, such as nickel or cobaltgetting your hands wet regularly – for example, if you’re a hairdresserstressheat and sweat If you notice something causes your symptoms, avoiding it as much as possible may help keep your symptoms under control.
Treatment
Pompholyx is usually a long-term condition that comes and goes over time. Treatment can help control the symptoms. The main treatments for pompholyx are: moisturisers (emollients) – used every day to stop the skin becoming drysteroid creams and ointments (topical steroids) – used for a few weeks at a time to reduce irritation and soreness If the blisters leak fluid, a GP may suggest soaking your skin in potassium permanganate solution. This helps dry the blisters and reduces the risk of them getting infected. If the blisters become infected, a GP may prescribe antibiotics. If your symptoms are severe or treatment is not helping, a GP may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist). A dermatologist may recommend other treatments, such as: steroid tabletstreatment with ultraviolet (UV) lightother medicines, such as alitretinoin