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Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema)

Overview

Open all pages about Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema)

Pompholyx causes itchy blisters on the hands or feet that come and go over time. When the blisters go away, the skin may be dry, cracked and sore.

The main treatments for pompholyx are moisturisers and steroid creams. If treatment does not help, you may be referred to a skin specialist.

If you have pompholyx, things you can do to help reduce skin irritation include wearing protective gloves and using moisturiser instead of soap.

It’s not clear what causes pompholyx. It has been linked to irritation from things like strong chemicals, certain metals, stress and sweat.

Pompholyx (also called dyshidrotic eczema) is a type of eczema that affects the hands or feet.

Page last reviewed: 02/03/2022
Next review due: 02/03/2025