Dyshidrotic eczema

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Skin layers

Dyshidrosis; Pompholyx

Scratching the hands when they itch only makes the condition worse. Yet scratching can be hard to stop.

Anti-itch medicines taken by mouth, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratiadine (such as Claritin), may help you break this cycle. If you scratch while asleep, take an anti-itch medicine before bed.

Ointments or creams should be used on the hands at least two times per day, and after every hand washing.

• Heavy ointments are best. Petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline), mineral oil or vegetable shortening may be best but can be messy.
• Creams are better than lotions. Creams such as Eucerin and Lubriderm may be helpful.

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Your doctor may prescribe steroid (or corticosteroid) ointments creams, or other creams or ointments such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus.

Your doctor may recommend the following if you have severe symptoms:

• Steroid pills
• Coal tar preparations
• Phototherapy (ultraviolet light therapy)

Do not scratch the blisters. You should avoid frequent bathing, hand washing, and irritating substances, which can make itching worse.

There is no cure. Dyshidrotic eczema normally goes away without problems, but symptoms may return later. Excess scratching may lead to thick, irritated skin, which is more difficult to treat and takes longer to heal.

• Pain and itching that limits the use of the hands
• Secondary bacterial infection

Call your doctor if you have:

• Tenderness, redness, warmth, or fever, which may be signs of an infection
• Any type of rash that does not go away with simple home treatments

Review Date: 10/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).