Pompholyx - Symptoms & Treatment

Pompholyx is a type of eczema and its cause is unknown, it is characterised initially by an eruption of very itchy vesicles on the sides of the fingers and palms of the hands and occasionally the soles of the feet and toes. This appears as intensely itchy vesicles on the hands, fingers and soles of the feet. The vesicles, which contain clear fluid, usually subside without rupturing, although in some cases they may become tense, burst and discharge. So there is formation of multiple dense vesicles and blisters. As the vesicles and blisters settles they may cause scaling of the skin. It is generally accompanied by pruritus, a burning sensation, and hyperhidrosis. Pompholyx is generally common to youth, but it may occur to the people at any age. Pompholyx can affect individuals of all races. Individuals between the ages of twenty to forty are more affected commonly by the disease. It occurs slightly more frequently in females than in males. Pompholyx often appears on the hands and/or the feet. The symptoms of Pompholyx include peeling and tiny blisters begin to appear. In the later stages, the skin could become cracked, and crusted over.

Pompholyx is a very common type of skin disorders but is very dangerous also. Dyshidrotic dermatitis ( pompholyx ) is a form of hand eczema more common in women which starts on the sides of the fingers as itchy little bumps and then develops into a rash. The condition can also affect only the feet. It is also referred to as dyshidrotic eczema or vesicular eczema. Pompholyx is common in infants and small children (affecting about one in seven), but it usually clears before adulthood. The name pompholyx comes from the Greek word for bubble, which accurately describes this disorder. The condition is difficult to treat because of the peculiarities of the affected skin, namely, the thick layer and richness of sweat glands.

Causes of Pompholyx

Find common causes and risk factors of Pompholyx :

• The cause of the Pompholyx is unknown.
• Emotional stress can make dyshidrotic dermatitis worse, but does not cause it.
• The later and more chronic stage shows more peeling, cracking, or crusting.
• Pompholyx infection with staphylococcal bacteria is not infrequent. That result is pain, redness, swelling and crusting or pustules.
• Small fluid filled blisters called vesicles appear on the hands and feet. They are most common along the edges of the fingers, toes, palms and soles.

Signs and Symptoms of Pompholyx

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Excessive sweating.
• Cracks and fissures in the skin.
• The pain can occur with larger blisters.
• Intense itching at the site of the blistering.
• Peeling, cracking, or crusting.
• Appearing of tiny blisters (vesicles) deep in the skin.

Treatment for Pompholyx

Treatment may include:

• Oral anti-pruritics such as Atarax or Benadryl may alleviate itching.
• Antibiotics such as flucloxacillin should be prescribed by your doctor for secondary infection caused by scratching.
• Aluminum subacetate, or Burrow's Solution, is a drying soak that can be used if the lesions ooze.
• Cool compresses and soaks are used to relieve and dry up the blisters.
• Potent topical steroids should be applied to the affected areas nightly.
• Use a moisturizer frequently.
• Avoid harsh soaps.
• Medications such as methotrexate and botulinum toxin .