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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.
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.
Fluid-filled blisters then appear on the skin. These are usually very itchy and may leak fluid.
Pompholyx most often affects the fingers and palms.
It can also affect the toes and soles of the feet.
Other conditions can cause sore, itchy patches or blisters on the hands and feet, including hand, foot and mouth disease, psoriasis or athlete's foot.
Do not try to diagnose yourself – see a GP if you're worried.
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:
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:
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
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 shoes made from leather, rather than plastic or rubber
avoid anything you think causes your symptoms, such as cleansers or detergents
do not burst your blisters
If your skin gets very itchy and it affects your sleep, ask a pharmacist about antihistamines that make you drowsy (sedating antihistamines).
If you take these before going to bed, they can help you get to sleep.
It's not clear exactly what causes pompholyx.
Certain things are thought to cause symptoms in some people, including:
If you notice something causes your symptoms, avoiding it as much as possible may help keep your symptoms under control.
