Dyshidrotic Eczema Symptoms, Causes and More

By carolynne

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Calle Sarmiento, Paola Michelle, and Juan Jose Chango Azanza. 'Dyshidrotic Eczema: A Common Cause of Palmar Dermatitis.' Cureus, Cureus, 7 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7647841/
• 2. 'Dyshidrosis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17728-dyshidrosis
• 3. 'Vesicular Hand Dermatitis.' DermNet NZ, dermnetnz.org/topics/vesicular-hand-dermatitis/

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Recognizing the symptoms and causes of dyshidrotic eczema can help those with the condition understand the triggers that result in recurring flare-ups and get the right treatment. Dyshidrotic eczema may occur only once, a few times or become a chronic condition.

Dyshidrotic eczema's has a tapioca-like appearance, with raised blisters on the hands and feet.¹Calle Sarmiento, Paola Michelle, and Juan Jose Chango Azanza. ‘Dyshidrotic Eczema: A Common Cause of Palmar Dermatitis.’ Cureus, Cureus, 7 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7647841/ Mild cases generally clear up on their own. However, more severe cases require a trip to the dermatologist who will prescribe a topical steroid cream to ease the eruption. Allergies, genetics, damp conditions, sweat and stress are some of the risk factors for developing dyshidrotic eczema.

Symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrosis, otherwise known as dyshidrotic eczema, is an extremely itchy skin condition characterized by clusters of water-filled blisters. This type of eczema typically appears on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet and can last for weeks.¹Calle Sarmiento, Paola Michelle, and Juan Jose Chango Azanza. ‘Dyshidrotic Eczema: A Common Cause of Palmar Dermatitis.’ Cureus, Cureus, 7 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7647841/

The skin can become slightly red and inflamed before the blisters appear. The eruption of blisters normally starts in one small patch around the nail bed or on the side of the hand and foot before spreading. It's not uncommon to experience sweaty skin around the site of the blisters.