Dyshidrotic Eczema: What it is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Published: November 2022

Last Reviewed: August 2025

Dyshidrotic eczema is a common skin condition that causes small, itchy blisters on the fingers, hands and feet. While the exact cause is unknown, it often affects people who have another form of eczema or a family history of the condition.

In this article, we’ll cover the main symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema, potential triggers and causes, and the most effective treatment options available.

Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx or dyshidrotic dermatitis, is a long-term skin condition that causes tiny, itchy blisters on the hands and feet. These blisters can crack, peel, and become painful as they heal. The condition most commonly affects the sides of the fingers, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet.

Dyshidrotic eczema tends to run in families, and some people experience recurring flare-ups for many years. While the exact cause isn't fully understood, it's often linked to stress, allergies, sweating, or irritants such as detergents.

Dyshidrotic eczema usually appears as clusters of small, deep-seated blisters—about 1 to 2 millimetres wide, roughly the size of a pinhead1. These blisters often form under the skin and can make the affected areas feel itchy, sore, and inflamed. As the blisters dry out, the skin may crack, flake, or become scaly.

The skin around the blisters can also appear red, irritated, and dry. In more severe cases, the skin may become thickened or discoloured over time due to repeated scratching or peeling.

The first symptom that is easy to identify is an itching or burning sensation in the affected area, without necessarily having any visual clues.

Due to their appearance, blisters on the hand are easy to identify and they usually develop around the palms and on the sides of the fingers. The blisters are fluid-filled,  can become really itchy and they might leak fluid.

Pompholyx can also affect the toes and soles of the feet. The blisters appear as small, individual bumps on fingers, or they grow together and cover a large area of your hands or feet. Dyshidrotic eczema usually last around three to four weeks.

Dyshidrotic eczema causes flare-ups of intense itching, redness, and small, fluid-filled blisters. While the condition comes and goes, effective treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

Treatment for dyshidrosis depends on severity. In many cases, a doctor will prescribe a topical steroid cream or ointment to reduce inflammation and help the blisters heal.

Eucerin AtoControl Acute Care Cream is designed to relieve symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema on the hands and body when used alongside your doctor’s recommendations. It helps reduce itching, calm irritation and redness, and minimise the urge to scratch, helping to break the itch-scratch cycle.

Dyshidrotic eczema causes vary as our hands are one of the most used body areas and are regularly exposed to different objects each day, from cosmetics to cleaning products and tough or hard surfaces.

Here we outline the most common causes of dyshidrotic eczema so you can reduce your chances of a flare-up.

Skin irritation often occurs when the skin comes into contact with certain chemicals or allergens. To reduce the risk, always handle chemicals with care—read the packaging thoroughly and follow all safety instructions. Research also suggests that foods high in nickel may trigger dyshidrotic eczema in some people².

Common triggers that may lead to dyshidrotic eczema include detergents, solvents, and nickel sulfate. If you develop irritation after contact with these substances, it may be a sign of contact dermatitis, a related skin condition.

Learn more about what causes irritated skin and how to treat it.

Some people develop dyshidrotic eczema as a reaction to certain medications, such as aspirin, intravenous immunoglobulin, or birth control pills². These medicines can trigger responses in the body that lead to blistering.

Medical conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, can increase the risk of developing dyshidrotic eczema³ because both conditions are linked to a compromised skin barrier and an overactive immune response.

Dyshidrotic eczema can be triggered by repetitive actions or when your skin rubs against certain surfaces. Friction irritates and weakens the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to inflammation and blistering, especially in people with sensitive or reactive skin.

Cold air can also trigger dyshidrotic eczema because it tends to dry out your skin, which weakens your skin natural barrier. This makes your skin more prone to irritation, cracking, and blistering, specifically during winter months when humidity is low and indoor heating adds to the dryness. 

Learn how to manage dyshidrotic eczema day-to-day and take care of your skin afterwards.

Managing pompholyx long term involves daily skincare and lifestyle changes to protect the skin, especially once blisters have started healing or during mild flare-ups.

Dermatologists often recommend the following for mild cases:

• A moisturiser to relieve dryness and support the skin barrier
• A calcineurin cream to reduce inflammation
• Plasters or dressings to protect painful areas
• Anti-itch treatments, such as creams or antihistamines

General skincare advice includes:

• Do not pop blisters, as this increases the risk of infection
• Avoid soaps and detergents - wash with lukewarm water and soap-free cleansers like Eucerin AtoControl Bath and Shower Oil
• Keep affected areas clean and gently pat dry

To help prevent future flare-ups, it's essential to use a daily moisturiser that supports dry, eczema-prone skin. Eucerin AtoControl Body Care Lotion is a fast-absorbing, fragrance-free lotion ideal for long-term eczema management. It helps relieve dryness, reduce itching, and strengthen the skin's natural barrier, making it a perfect choice for those living with dyshidrotic eczema on hands or body.

Once flare-ups have healed, skin may still be dry, cracked, or sore. To support repair and protect sensitive areas, Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm is clinically proven to restore very dry, irritated, or damaged skin.

This water-free balm forms a breathable protective barrier that promotes healing while locking in moisture. It contains:

• Glycerin, which draws moisture into the skin
• Panthenol, which supports regeneration and soothes irritation

With the right treatment, daily care, and soothing skincare, dyshidrotic eczema can be managed effectively to reduce flare-ups and keep your skin comfortable. It’s important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider if symptoms persist worsen. 

Sources:

1. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dyshidrotic eczema (dyshidrosis). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17728-dyshidrotic-eczema
2. Ludmann, P. (2020, November 16). Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema causes. American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved February 1, 2025, from https://www.aad.org
3. Amini, S. (2025, April 17). Dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx): Background, etiology, epidemiology. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1122527-overview#a5