If you've ever experienced intensely itchy blisters on your hands or feet, you may have come across the term dyshidrotic eczema, sometimes known as pompholyx eczema.
One of the most frustrating aspects of dyshidrotic eczema is that the cause is often difficult to identify. Many people experience repeated flare-ups without understanding why their skin suddenly becomes itchy, inflamed, or covered in tiny fluid-filled blisters.
While researchers still don't know the exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema, there are several factors that appear to increase the likelihood of flare-ups.
Understanding these triggers can help you better manage the condition and support your skin during periods of irritation.
Why We Became Interested in Dyshidrotic Eczema
At Bragan Skincare, we've spoken to many customers living with dyshidrotic eczema over the years.
One thing we hear repeatedly is how unpredictable the condition can feel. Customers often describe periods where their skin seems relatively calm, followed by sudden flare-ups of itching, blistering, and discomfort without any obvious explanation.
Many also tell us they've spent years trying to identify a single cause, only to discover that several factors may be contributing at the same time.
These conversations reinforced something we've learned through working with sensitive and eczema-prone skin: understanding potential triggers is important, but supporting the skin barrier is often just as critical when managing flare-ups.
What Is Dyshidrotic Eczema?
Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of eczema that primarily affects the:
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Hands
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Fingers
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Palms
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Soles of the feet
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Sides of the toes
The condition is characterised by:
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Small fluid-filled blisters
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Intense itching
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Redness
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Dryness
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Peeling skin
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Cracking
Symptoms often occur in cycles, with flare-ups followed by periods of improvement.
What Causes Dyshidrotic Eczema?
There is currently no single known cause of dyshidrotic eczema.
Instead, experts believe the condition develops due to a combination of genetic, environmental, immune, and skin barrier factors.
Stress and Dyshidrotic Eczema
Stress is one of the most commonly reported triggers.
Many people notice flare-ups occurring during:
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Busy periods at work
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Family pressures
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Exams
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Major life events
While stress does not directly cause eczema, it may influence immune responses and inflammation within the skin.
We've spoken to customers who can often predict a flare-up after a particularly stressful period, even when no other obvious trigger is present.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Certain allergies and sensitivities may contribute to dyshidrotic eczema flare-ups.
Potential triggers include:
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Fragrances
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Preservatives
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Cleaning products
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Certain metals
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Rubber products
Not everyone with dyshidrotic eczema has allergies, but identifying irritants can sometimes help reduce flare up frequency.
Nickel Sensitivity
One of the most widely recognised associations is sensitivity to nickel.
Nickel can be found in:
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Jewellery
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Coins
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Keys
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Watches
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Some foods
For some individuals, exposure to nickel may contribute to eczema symptoms.
Cobalt Exposure
Research has also identified a potential connection between cobalt sensitivity and dyshidrotic eczema in some people.
Cobalt is found in:
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Metal objects
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Industrial materials
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Certain dietary sources
Again, this does not affect everyone, but it may be relevant for some individuals experiencing recurring flare-ups.
Sweating and Excess Moisture
Despite the name "dyshidrotic," the condition is not caused by blocked sweat glands.
However, excessive sweating may trigger symptoms in some people.
Many individuals report flare-ups during:
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Hot weather
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Exercise
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Humid conditions
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Periods of increased sweating
This may explain why symptoms often worsen during warmer months.
Frequent Hand Washing and Irritation
People whose hands are regularly exposed to water or irritants may be more prone to flare-ups.
Examples include:
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Healthcare workers
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Hairdressers
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Cleaners
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Food industry workers
Frequent exposure to soaps, detergents, and sanitisers can compromise the skin barrier and increase irritation.
Genetics and Family History
Like many forms of eczema, genetics appear to play a role.
People with a personal or family history of:
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Atopic eczema
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Asthma
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Hay fever
may have an increased likelihood of developing dyshidrotic eczema.
Skin Barrier Dysfunction
One area receiving increasing attention is the role of the skin barrier.
A healthy skin barrier helps retain moisture and protect against external irritants.
When the barrier becomes compromised, the skin may become:
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More reactive
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More vulnerable to irritation
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Less able to recover from environmental stressors
This is one reason why barrier-supportive skincare often plays an important role in eczema management.
Jemma's Experience with Dyshidrotic Eczema
Jemma first contacted Bragan Skincare after struggling with dyshidrotic eczema on her feet. Like many people living with the condition, she found the flare-ups frustrating and difficult to predict.
Over time, Jemma began paying closer attention to the factors that seemed to coincide with flare-ups, while also focusing on supporting her skin barrier and maintaining a consistent skincare routine. This helped her feel more in control of her skin and better equipped to manage periods of irritation when they occurred.
Her experience reflects something we hear from many customers with dyshidrotic eczema: there is rarely one single cause. Instead, flare-ups are often influenced by a combination of factors, including stress, irritants, environmental conditions, and individual skin sensitivities.
While everyone's experience is different, stories like Jemma's highlight why understanding potential triggers and supporting overall skin health can play such an important role in managing dyshidrotic eczema.
You can watch Jemma's full review below.
Can Diet Cause Dyshidrotic Eczema?
For some people, certain foods may influence symptoms, particularly if nickel or cobalt sensitivity is involved.
However, diet is not considered a primary cause of dyshidrotic eczema.
If you suspect food-related triggers, seeking professional advice may help you identify patterns safely and appropriately.
Why Understanding the Cause Matters
One of the biggest challenges with dyshidrotic eczema is that the trigger is not always obvious.
For some people, stress is the main factor.
For others, it may be irritants, allergies, sweating, or a combination of several influences.
Understanding these possibilities can help you make more informed decisions about skincare, lifestyle adjustments, and trigger management.
Supporting Skin During Dyshidrotic Eczema Flare-Ups
While avoiding triggers where possible is important, supporting the skin barrier remains a key part of managing eczema-prone skin.
Hydration, gentle skincare, and minimising unnecessary irritation can all help improve skin comfort during flare-ups.
At Bragan Skincare, our focus has always been on helping people support sensitive, irritated, and eczema-prone skin through consistent skincare routines designed to work alongside the skin's natural barrier.
It's important to treat the correct condition, and to make sure you're doing the right thing for your skin. You can use this guide to determine if your condition is Dyshidrotic Eczema or something else.
Why People Trust Bragan Skincare
Our products don't begin in a boardroom. They begin with people who ask us for help.
The very first Bragan product grew from real experiences with problem skin, and every product we've developed since has been shaped by listening carefully to customers living with eczema, dermatitis and sensitive skin.
Discover how real customer experiences continue to shape every Bragan product
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of dyshidrotic eczema?
There is no single known cause. Flare-ups are often linked to a combination of stress, allergies, irritants, sweating, genetics, and skin barrier dysfunction.
Can stress trigger dyshidrotic eczema?
Many people report flare-ups during periods of increased stress, making stress one of the most commonly recognised triggers.
Is dyshidrotic eczema caused by poor hygiene?
No. Dyshidrotic eczema is not caused by poor hygiene.
Can hand sanitiser trigger dyshidrotic eczema?
Frequent exposure to sanitisers and cleaning products may irritate the skin and contribute to flare-ups in some individuals.
Is dyshidrotic eczema hereditary?
Genetics may play a role, particularly in people with a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever.
Understanding Your Triggers Is the First Step
One of the most challenging aspects of dyshidrotic eczema is that there is rarely a single cause. For many people, flare-ups are influenced by a combination of factors, including stress, irritants, allergies, sweating, environmental conditions, and skin barrier health.
While identifying triggers can take time, understanding the potential causes of your symptoms can help you make more informed decisions about your skincare routine and daily habits. Small changes, combined with consistent skin barrier support, can often make a meaningful difference to how your skin feels and functions.
At Bragan Skincare, we've worked with many people living with dyshidrotic eczema and understand how frustrating the cycle of itching, blistering, dryness, and flare-ups can be. That's why our focus has always been on supporting sensitive, irritated, and eczema-prone skin with products designed to help nourish and protect the skin barrier.
Ready to Support Your Skin?
If you're struggling with dyshidrotic eczema, explore our most popular products for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin below. From deeply hydrating moisturisers to barrier-supporting skincare, each product is designed to help your skin feel more comfortable, resilient, and supported throughout your eczema journey.
Shop our recommended skincare for dyshidrotic eczema and sensitive skin below.
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| Atopic Skin Repair Cream | 98% Snail Mucin Face Serum | Snail Mucin Face Mask |
