Dyshidrotic eczema - Pompholyx

Low urgency
Common-

It is a skin disorder that presents as small blisters on both hands and feet, together with scaly rashes.

The cause is unknown. Some factors that onset their appearance are: situations of stress, allergies, humidity, having had contact with concrete, chrome, cobalt or nickel.

Its manifestations are blisters that cause itching or pain, as well as flaky skin patches that peel off, turn red, crack and are also painful. Scratching leads to changes and thickening of the skin.

The diagnosis is reached through the reviewing the patient's medical history and a skin examination.

There is no cure for dyshidrotic eczema. Factors that irritate or exacerbate the condition must be avoided as a general rule. The doctor will assess the use of antihistamines, topical/oral corticosteroids and/or phototherapy.

Bibliographic references
  1. David R Adams, James G Marks, Jr. Acute palmoplantar eczema (dyshidrotic eczema). UpToDate. Jul 14, 2015.
  2. Veien NK. Acute and recurrent vesicular hand dermatitis. Dermatol Clin 2009; 27:337.
  3. Wollina U. Pompholyx: a review of clinical features, differential diagnosis, and management. Am J Clin Dermatol 2010; 11:305.
  4. Lofgren SM, Warshaw EM. Dyshidrosis: epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and therapy. Dermatitis 2006; 17:165.
  5. Jain VK, Aggarwal K, Passi S, Gupta S. Role of contact allergens in pompholyx. J Dermatol 2004; 31:188.
  6. McCall CO, Lawley TJ: Eccema, psoriasis, infecciones cutáneas, acné y otros trastornos cutáneos frecuentes. Harrison. Manual de Medicina. 16º edición. 267-273.
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Symptoms

    Itchy skin


    Reddened skin


    Skin rash


    Vesicles join into a larger one


    Skin irritation with flaking patches

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
Symptom persistence during the first month of treatment.

Self-care

Consume antihistamines against itching.
Apply cold compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes to reduce the symptoms.
Use gloves for friction work such as gardening and carpentry.
Avoid irritants such as: detergents, dissolvents, hair lotions, dyes, acidic foods, etc.