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Dyshidrotic Dermatitis - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Alternative name : Pompholyx

What is Dyshidrotic Dermatitis ?

Dyshidrotic dermatitis (pompholyx) is a form of hand eczema, slightly more common in women, which starts on the sides of the fingers as itchy little bumps and then develops into a rash. The condition can also affect only the feet. Some patients have involvement of both the hands and feet. It is often confused with a fungus. The name pompholyx comes from the Greek word for bubble, which accurately describes Dyshidrotic Dermatitis disorder.

Causes of Dyshidrotic Dermatitis

People who have dyshidrotic dermatitis are genetically predisposed to it. Dyshidrotic dermatitis often appears during times of stress. Smokers have a higher incidence of Dyshidrotic Dermatitis condition. Ingestion of allergens such as chromate, neomycin, quinoline, or nickel may cause some cases.

Symptoms of Dyshidrotic Dermatitis

Some of the common symptoms of Dyshidrotic Dermatitis (Pompholyx)are :-

• The rash of dyshidrotic dermatitis occurs on the hands and feet. The majority of cases involve the palms and sides of the fingers, but the soles of the feet can also be involved.
• The rash looks like crops of clear, deep-seated, tapioca-like vesicles and is very itchy. The vesicles resolve in 3 to 4 weeks and are replaced by 1- to 3-mm rings of scale.

Treatment of Dyshidrotic Dermatitis

Some of common treatment of Dyshidrotic Dermatitis (Pompholyx) are :-

• Skin protection is an important part of treatment.
• Wear heavy duty gloves when doing heavy work and gardening. Also wear cotton gloves when doing dry housework.
• Aluminum subacetate, or Burrow's Solution, is a drying soak that can be used if the lesions ooze.
• Antibiotics may be needed if the skin is broken and infection is suspected.
• Rings often worsen dermatitis by trapping irritating materials beneath them. Remove your rings when doing housework and before washing your hands.
• Oral methotrexate can be used in severe cases of Dyshidrotic Dermatitis.
• If you have a tendency to develop dyshidrotic dermatitis of the feet, you should wear socks which are at least 60% cotton. You should change your shoes everyday. Alternate 2-3 pairs of shoes, so the shoes will dry out completely before you use them again.
• Aluminum chloride 20% (Drysol) may help in cases made worse by sweating.
• Avoid direct contact with turpentine, paint thinner and paints. Also polishes for furniture, metal, floors, and shoes. When using them, wear heavy duty gloves because they contain irritating solvents.

Related Information

• Atopic Dermatitis
• Dermatitis herpetiformis

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