Pompholyx

Pompholyx is a type of eczema which affects both the hands (cheiropompholyx) and the feet (pedopompholyx). It is also known as dyshidrotic eczema.

It is more common in young adult females and is commonly related to sweating, with flares during hot weather and humid conditions.

Features

• small blisters on the palms and soles
• pruritic
  • often intensely itchy
  • sometimes burning sensation
• once blisters burst skin may become dry and crack

Management

• cool compresses
• emollients
• topical steroids

Also read:

Keratoderma blennorhagicum presents as vesico-pustular waxy yellow-brown lesions on the palms and soles. It is associated with reactive arthritis.

Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic condition associated with fluid-filled blisters on the palms and sole of the feet. Distinguishing this from pompholyx eczema clinically can be difficult. However, about 25% of patients with palmoplantar pustulosis have psoriasis on other body parts, and there is a very strong association with smoking. The correlation with high temperatures and humidity is also not as strong compared with pompholyx eczema.