Pompholyx eczema (also known as Cheiropompholyx; Pedopompholyx, Dyshidrosis, Dyshidrotic eczema, Acral vesicular dermatitis, Chronic hand dermatitis) is a condition in which little blisters develop on the hands and feet. The blisters are frequently scratchy. Pompholyx comes from the Greek word for bubble. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes.
Causes of Pompholyx Eczema
The cause is unidentified. The condition appears to appear throughout specific times of the year.
You are more likely to develop pompholyx eczema when:
- You are under tension
- You have allergies, such as hay fever
- You have dermatitis somewhere else
- Your hands are frequently in water or moist
- You deal with cement or do other work that exposes your hands to chromium, cobalt, or nickel
Women appear to be more susceptible to establishing the condition more than males are.
Patient says: For the last couple of days I’ve noticed small or tiny bumps on my fingers. I now have 4, they are red in colour and hurt to touch and sort of have like a see through blister appearance to them. They are not itchy.
Symptoms of Pompholyx Eczema
Little fluid-filled blisters/bumps called vesicles appear on the fingers, hands, and feet. They are most typical along the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles. These blisters can be extremely itchy. They also cause scaly patches of skin that flake or get red, cracked, and unpleasant.
Scratching results in skin modifications and skin thickening. Big blisters may cause pain or can get contaminated.
How Is the Condition Diagnosed
Your medical professional might be able to diagnose this condition by looking at your skin.
A skin biopsy might be needed to eliminate other causes, such as a fungal infection or psoriasis.
If your physician thinks the condition may be due to an allergy, allergic reaction screening (spot testing) may be done.
Treatment for Pompholyx Eczema
Pompholyx might disappear on its own. Treatment is focused on controlling the signs, such as itching and avoiding blisters. Your medical professional will likely recommend self-care measures.
1. Home Care
Keep the skin moist by lubricating or hydrating the skin. Usage lotions (such as petroleum jelly), creams, or creams.
Moisturizers:
- Ought to be free of alcohol, aromas, dyes, fragrances, or other chemicals.
- Work best when they’re applied to skin that is wet or wet. After cleaning or bathing, pat the skin dry and after that apply the moisturizer immediately.
- Might be used at different times of the day. For the most part, you can use these compounds as typically as you need to keep your skin soft.
2. Medications
Medicines that assist alleviate itching can be purchased without a prescription.
- Take an anti-itch medicine prior to bed if you scratch in your sleep.
- Some antihistamines cause little or no drowsiness, however aren’t so reliable for itching. These include fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), cetirizine (Zyrtec).
- Others can make you drowsy, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Your medical professional may prescribe topical medications. These are lotions or creams that are applied to the skin. Types include:
- Corticosteroids, which calm inflamed or swollen skin
- Immunomodulators, used to the skin, which help keep the immune system from reacting too highly
- Prescription anti-itch medicines
Follow guidelines on the best ways to apply these medications. Do not apply more than you’re supposed to use.
If symptoms are severe, you might need other treatments, such as:
- Corticosteroid tablets
- Corticosteroid shots
- Coal tar preparations
- Systemic immunomodulators
- Phototherapy (ultraviolet light therapy).
When Should I See Results?
Pompholyx eczema normally goes away without issues, but signs might return. Severe scratching may lead to thick, inflamed skin. This makes the issue harder to treat.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your healthcare service provider if you have:
- Signs of infection such as tenderness, inflammation, warmth, or fever.
- A rash that does not go away with easy home treatments.
