These progress to scaly spots over the course of several weeks.

There is no cure for the condition, which can be treated but will most likely recur.

This article discusses dyshidrotic eczema and its symptoms and causes.

Dyshidrotic eczema on a heel of a foot

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It also covers how the condition is diagnosed and treated.

Wirestock / Getty Images

What Does Dyshidrotic Dermatitis Look Like?

Dyshidrotic dermatitis usually involves the palms of the hands and sides of the fingers.

The soles of the feet and the area between the toes can also be involved.

Symptoms include:

The pain can make it difficult to walk or use your hands.

The vesicles can sometimes blend into each other, forming large blisters.

Open blisters may become infected.

The vesicles resolve in three to four weeks and are replaced by 1- to 3-millimeter rings of scaling skin.

These patches may crack and peel before the skin eventually heals.

What Triggers Dyshidrotic Dermatitis?

The cause of dyshidrotic dermatitis isn’t known.

“Pompholyx” comes from the Greek word for “bubble,” which describes the blisters.

The condition has an average age of onset of 37, although it may appear at any age.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis is also more common if you have seasonal allergies or a history ofcontact dermatitis.

Takingintravenous immunoglobulin therapyis associated with a higher risk of developing the condition.

It’s generally diagnosed by a physical exam coupled with a detailed medical history.

There is no cure for the condition, but it can be managed.

Most dyshidrotic eczema attacks resolve on their own within one to three weeks.

In some cases, medications are used to help keep dyshidrotic eczema flares at bay.

Most people need a combination of treatments.

Large blisters can be drained by a healthcare provider to help reduce pain and prevent infections.

If you have triggers, knowing them can be the best defense for preventing future outbreaks.

It usually begins suddenly and progresses to scaly rings that may crack and peel.

There is no cure for dyshidrotic dermatitis, but the condition can be treated with topical and oral medications.

Avoiding triggers is an important way to prevent future outbreaks.

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