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Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Multiple Sclerosis Type 2 Diabetes Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health. Dyshidrotic eczema is a chronic condition that causes blisters that can appear as tiny bumps on fingers or grow together to cover larger areas on the hands and feet. They’re usually very itchy and may contain fluid. Blisters can flare and then go away. Symptoms typically last 2 to 3 weeks at a time. Keep reading to learn more about dyshidrotic eczema, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. What causes dyshidrotic eczema? The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown. Sweat commonly triggers the condition, although experts do not know precisely why. People with dyshidrotic eczema may have a hypersensitivity to: metal, particularly cobalt or nickel a specific ingredient in a soap, moisturizer, or other personal care product certain medications, such as birth control or aspirin smoking tobacco an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion Other common triggers include stress and weather changes. Who is at risk of developing dyshidrotic eczema? Factors that may increase your risk of dyshidrotic eczema include having: certain genetic factors a personal or family history of another type of eczema a history of working with cement or metal a seasonal allergy or allergic sinusitis a skin infection, such as athlete’s foot This type of eczema is most common in people 20 to 40 years old . What does dyshidrotic eczema look like?

What are the symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema? The first symptom of a dyshidrotic eczema flare may be a burning, itching sensation without any visual clues. Symptoms often appear suddenly. Then, tiny, itchy blisters may develop. They tend to appear on the: sides of fingers Though less common, it can sometimes appear on the back of the hands or in other locations. These tiny blisters can grow together and form larger areas that are very itchy, red, and raised. If the skin becomes infected, the blisters can become painful and ooze pus. Some people describe the appearance as looking like tapioca pudding. Typically, dyshidrotic eczema heals on its own in 2 to 3 weeks . As the blisters heal, they can cause your skin to become dry and peel. People of color may develop dark spots (hyperpigmentation) where the blisters have healed. How is dyshidrotic eczema diagnosed? If your palms or soles have been inflamed and itchy for more than 1 week, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor, such as a dermatologist . They will most likely: look at your skin ask if you’ve noticed a pattern around your blisters, such as using a new product ask if your activities involve coming into contact with metals ask if you have a history of eczema or allergies If the lesions don’t heal, the doctor may perform an allergy test or take a skin sample to test for an infection . They may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication. Can you treat dyshidrotic eczema at home? Managing dyshidrotic eczema can depend on the severity of your symptoms. You may be able to relieve mild symptoms with care at home. If your symptoms are more severe, or if your blisters become infected, you may need prescription medications. It’s always best to make an appointment with a doctor so that they can promptly diagnose dyshidrotic eczema and prescribe an effective treatment plan. If your symptoms are mild, a doctor may recommend: using a medicated soak or applying a cool compress for 15 minutes two to four times per day applying a moisturizer or barrier repair cream to damp skin after a soak or bath applying a corticosteroid cream to help heal the blisters and reduce inflammation using anti-itch medication in the form of a pill or cream practicing meditation and other techniques to manage stress taking note of any jewelry, soaps, and other products that seem to make symptoms worse and avoiding them keeping nails short to prevent scratching, which could lead to an infection Dietary changes for dyshidrotic eczema Nickel and cobalt are natural elements in many foods. Cobalt is in vitamin B12 and occurs in dairy products, fish, poultry, and meat. Nickel occurs in many foods, such as: cocoa and chocolate If your doctor suspects your dyshidrotic eczema flares are caused by a nickel or cobalt allergy , they may suggest a point-based plan to limit the intake of these substances in your diet. It’s not possible to do this without professional help because many foods containing these substances are also important sources of essential nutrients. How do doctors treat dyshidrotic eczema? More severe or frequent symptoms might require other treatments, such as: prescription steroid creams pimecrolimus cream tacrolimus ointment systemic medications to suppress the immune system light treatment at a doctor’s office (but avoiding unprotected sun exposure and tanning beds) getting plenty of rest, if possible biofeedback or other techniques to help manage stress Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more. Can dyshidrotic eczema cause complications? Dyshidrotic eczema can be uncomfortable. It may affect your quality of life. For instance, you may have difficulty: using your hands There’s also a risk of an infection from scratching. How can you prevent dyshidrotic eczema? It’s not always possible to prevent dyshidrotic eczema, but the following tips may help: Keep a journal of possible triggers and avoid them if possible. Speak with a doctor about dietary changes they may recommend. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, if possible. Wear protective gloves when using cleaning products, like detergent. Use footwear made with natural products, such as white cotton socks without dye. Use a strong moisturizer and emollient soap. Manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, or other techniques. Work with a doctor or dermatologist on a prevention plan. Wearing two pairs of cotton, dye-free socks may help reduce the risk of contact with allergens. How long does it take for dyshidrotic eczema to go away? Flares of dyshidrotic eczema usually resolve in 2 to 3 weeks without leaving noticeable marks or scars . However, it may come back if it’s not possible to avoid triggers. People with skin of color may experience hyperpigmentation after a flare. Scratching the affected area may lead to an infection and delay healing . It may also lead to scarring. Frequently asked questions What is the difference between eczema and dyshidrotic eczema? Eczema (atopic dermatitis) and dyshidrotic eczema are both types of eczema that can develop due to triggers. Eczema typically occurs after contact with an environmental trigger and tends to cause a discolored, itchy rash. Dyshidrotic eczema may also develop due to environmental triggers but usually causes blisters and skin drying on the hands or feet. What triggers dyshidrotic eczema? Dyshidrotic eczema may flare in response to a trigger, such as: allergic reaction, such as to nickel or cobalt exposure to UV light Is dyshidrotic eczema related to autoimmune disease? While eczema may have some similarities to autoimmune disease and involves the immune system, it’s not considered an autoimmune disease. Eczema is usually considered an allergic response when the body reacts to an external trigger rather than an autoimmune one, where the immune system targets another part of the body. Read more about the relationship between eczema and the immune system . The bottom line Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as dyshidrosis or palmoplantar eczema, can cause blisters on the feet and hands. The exact cause is unknown, but it may stem from hypersensitivity to certain metals, medical treatments, tobacco smoke, and other substances. Stress and weather changes may also trigger it. Dyshidrotic eczema can affect people who work with products containing various metals and those with asthma, eczema, or other allergies and sensitivities. You may be able to manage some of the symptoms at home, but it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Read this article in Spanish. How we reviewed this article: Share this article