Pompholyx is a common type of eczema, characterized by the initial eruption of itchy little bumps and subsequent development of these bumps into a rash.

Also called dyshidrotic eczema or vesicular eczema, Pompholyx occurs most commonly on the sides of the fingers and palms of the hands and less commonly on the soles of the feet and toes.

A high level of stress or excessive sweating with weather change often causes Pompholyx. Pompholyx can occur in people of all races, most commonly in those with age between 20 and 40 years.

Pompholyx, which mostly runs a chronic course may vanish for long periods. But period of nervous tension, worry or stress may give rise to chances of its recurrence.

The condition may involve itching and burning sensation. In extreme cases it may lead to peeling, cracking and crusting of the skin. The affected portion of the skin also becomes hard.

Causes of Pompholyx

Pompholyx may occur due to abnormal sweating. Pompholyx may develop in any kind of breed secondary to other skin conditions, but the inherited primary form can appear only in the dachshund.

In mild cases the condition may cause little bit of peeling while in severe cases it may lead to formation of large blisters and cracks, preventing the work.

The condition may also involve atopic dermatitis that means atopic dermatitis on the hands or feet may be a type of dyshidrotic dermatitis.

Contact with irritants like water, detergents and solvents may trigger the condition. Moreover nervous tension, worry or stress may contribute to recurrence of Pompholyx

The trigger may include the following:

Psychological stress or grief.

Infection at feet, scalp or other distant sites

Scratching.

Certain detergents

Symptoms of Pompholyx

Abnormal or excessive sweating

Peeling and tiny blisters that occur in the beginning subsequently make the skin cracked and crusted.

The disorder usually clears up after about two weeks.

Individuals may experience only one stage of the ailment or the other and some will have both stages at the same time.

Painful large blisters

Itching sensation at the site affected covered with blisters

Pompholyx Treatment

Treatment can be determined accordance to stage of the disease.

Application of soaks or compresses with a weak water solution of potassium permanganate, aluminium acetate or vinegar can dry up the blisters. Apply soaks or compresses for 15 minutes at least 4 times a day to get the desired effect. Compresses are not applicable for skin with dry eczema.

Liberally and frequently apply emollients or hand creams like dimeticone barrier to the affected portion of the skin for softness.

Apply potent topical steroids to the affected areas of skin each night to get relief from inflammation and itching. You can use more potent products for over two weeks only on consultation with your doctor. Steroid creams are applicable only for blistering or weeping skin. Steroid ointments are suitable for the chronic dry stage.

In case of secondary infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics like flucloxacillin.

In severe cases your doctor may prescribe cortisone preparations. Cortisone preparations may be available as tablet or injection. Though the condition may dramatically clear up with cortisone preparations, it may recur in more severe form once the medication is stopped. It is inadvisable to go for a long-term treatment through these systemic steroids considering the undesirable side effects.

PUVA therapy: PUVA therapy is a special type of ultraviolet (UV) treatment, which can be used in few and selected cases. It involves soaking of affected areas in a special solution (psoralen) several times a week prior to exposing the skin to a long wave ultraviolet light. PUVA therapy may be continued for several months.

The eruption may subside or disappear sooner or later with this type of treatment.

Other medications such as methotrexate, dapsone, azathioprine and botulinum toxin can be used occasionally. Botulinum toxin can be helpful in preventing sweating. This is one of the useful pompholyx treatment.

Pompholyx Prevention

Avoid bringing your hands to direct contact with trigger like soaps or detergents. Rather protect your hands with waterproof or cotton lined gloves while bringing them in contact with such chemicals.

When it comes to peeling and squeezing fruits and vegetables like orange, grapefruit, potatoes, lemon and tomatoes, it is advisable to use waterproof gloves in your hands.

Use heavy-duty gloves while going for heavy work such as gardening. While performing household tasks it is advisable to wear cotton gloves.

Always use slightly hot water and mild soap while washing your hands.

Before going outdoors under cold or windy weather, it is advisable to use unlined leather gloves so as to prevent dryness and chapping in hands.

If your feet tend to develop dyshidrotic dermatitis you must wear socks made with at least 60 per cent cotton.