Dyshidrosis

Overview

The palms of the hands, the sides of the fingers and sometimes the soles of the feet might develop tiny, fluid-filled blisters due to the skin disorder called dyshidrosis.

Usually lasting three weeks, the blisters that develop in dyshidrosis are extremely itchy. Your skin may look scaly once the dyshidrosis blisters have dried. Usually, the blisters return before your skin has had a chance to fully recover from the previous ones.

Most frequently, rubbing creams or ointments on the afflicted area is used as treatment for dyshidrosis. Your doctor can recommend oral corticosteroid medications like prednisone or injections in extreme cases. Eczema, acute palmoplantar eczema, vesiculobullous dermatitis and pompholyx are other names for dyshidrosis.

Symptoms

The sides of fingers and palms are where dyshidrosis-related blisters most frequently appear. On occasion, the soles of the feet may also be impacted. The blisters typically have a small size, similar to the width of a standard pencil lead. They tend to form clusters, resembling tapioca pearls.

In more severe instances, the small blisters can merge together, resulting in the formation of larger blisters. Dyshidrosis-affected skin can itch and hurt a lot. Within three weeks, the blisters are dry and start to peel off. Dyshidrosis tends to exhibit a recurring pattern, regularly for several months or even years.

If you experience a rash on your hands or feet that doesn’t go away on its own, call your doctor.

Causes

Dyshidrosis’ precise cause is unknown. It may be connected to atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, as well as other allergic diseases including hay fever. When a person has nasal allergies, their eruptions may be seasonal.

Risk factors

Dyshidrosis risk factors include:

• Age. Occurs between 20 to 40 years old.
• Gender. Females are more prone to developing dyshidrosis than males.
• Family history. Having eczema or contact dermatitis in the family.
• Stress. There seems to be a higher prevalence of dyshidrosis during periods of mental or physical stress.
• Exposure to certain metals. These typically occur in an industrial context which include nickel and cobalt.
• Atopic dermatitis. Dyshidrotic eczema can appear in some atopic dermatitis sufferers.
• Sensitive skin. The likelihood of developing dyshidrosis is higher in people who itch after contact with particular irritants.