Dyshidrosis

Dyshidrotic eczema is a chronic (long-term) skin condition that causes small blisters and dry, itchy skin. It usually develops on your fingers, hands and feet. Other names for dyshidrotic eczema include dyshidrosis, acute palmoplantar eczema, vesiculobullous dermatitis and pompholyx.

Who does dyshidrotic eczema affect?

Dyshidrotic eczema can affect anyone. However, it most commonly affects people:

• Between the ages of 20 and 40.
• Assigned female at birth.
• With a personal or family history of eczema.
• With a personal or family history of contact dermatitis.
• Who develop allergic reactions when they touch an antigen, which is a foreign substance that causes an allergic reaction.
• Who receive immunoglobulin infusions. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an injection of antibodies for people with an immune deficiency.

About 50% of dyshidrotic eczema cases occur in people who have allergic reactions when they touch an antigen. Researchers think that people assigned female at birth may be more likely to develop dyshidrotic eczema because they more frequently interact with certain antigens, like nickel and cobalt in jewelry.

How common is dyshidrotic eczema?

In occupational or clinical settings, dyshidrotic eczema accounts for 5% to 20% of all cases of hand dermatitis.

How does dyshidrotic eczema affect my body?

Dyshidrotic eczema affects the skin around the palms of your hands, fingers and soles of your feet.

Your skin may develop bumps or blisters that look like tapioca pearls. These blisters are typically one to two millimeters in diameter. The blisters may come together to form one large blister.

After your blisters have dried out, they may become scaly and cracked.