Dyshidrotic Eczema: Symptoms, Causes, Triggers and Treatment

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Dyshidrotic eczema, also called pompholyx, is a type of eczema that causes small, intensely itchy fluid-filled blisters. It most often affects the fingers, palms, sides of the hands and soles of the feet. Flare-ups can be linked to sweating, stress, irritants, allergies and changes in the skin barrier. While it can be uncomfortable and recurring, gentle skincare, trigger management and appropriate medical treatment can help many people manage symptoms more effectively.

Dyshidrotic eczema can be one of the more frustrating forms of eczema because it often starts suddenly.

Small blisters may appear beneath the skin on the hands or feet. They can itch intensely, burn, feel sore or make everyday tasks uncomfortable. As the blisters settle, the skin may become dry, flaky, cracked or tender. For some people, it is an occasional flare-up. For others, it can become a recurring problem that affects work, sleep, confidence and day-to-day comfort.

This guide explains what dyshidrotic eczema is, what it can look like, common triggers, how it differs from other hand conditions and practical ways to support your skin.
If you would like a broader overview of eczema, including the causes, symptoms and long-term care of eczema-prone skin, visit our Eczema Hub.

What Is Dyshidrotic Eczema?

Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of eczema that mainly affects the hands and feet. It is also known as pompholyx or vesicular eczema.
It usually causes tiny fluid-filled blisters that can develop on:

• the sides of the fingers

• the palms of the hands

• the soles of the feet

• the toes

• the sides of the feet
  

The blisters are often deeper in the skin than ordinary surface spots. They may look like tiny beads of water trapped beneath the skin.

The name can sound complicated, but the condition is relatively common among people with sensitive, reactive or eczema-prone skin.

What Does Dyshidrotic Eczema Look Like?

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but dyshidrotic eczema often follows a recognisable pattern.

At first, you may notice itching, tingling, burning or tenderness before any blisters are visible. Small blisters may then appear in clusters. They can be extremely itchy and may become painful if the skin is rubbed, scratched or exposed to irritants.
As the flare-up improves, the skin can become:

• dry

• flaky

• scaly

• cracked

• sore

• thickened in areas that flare repeatedly
  
  

On the hands, this can make washing, gripping objects, cleaning, typing or working uncomfortable. On the feet, it can make walking, wearing shoes or sweating more difficult.

If you are mainly noticing tiny itchy bumps or blisters on your hands, our guide to Small Blisters on Hands may also be useful.

Where Does Dyshidrotic Eczema Usually Appear?

Dyshidrotic eczema is most commonly seen on the hands and feet.

Dyshidrotic Eczema on the Hands

The fingers, palms and sides of the hands are common areas. Some people notice the blisters first along the sides of their fingers, while others develop them across the palms.
Hand flare-ups can be particularly difficult because hands are exposed to frequent washing, cleaning products, weather changes and workplace irritants.
Read our How to Treat Dyshidrotic Eczema on Hands: Practical Tips for Flare-Ups blog post for treatment advice.
For more support with dry, sore or irritated hands, see our Hand Eczema Hub.

Dyshidrotic Eczema on the Feet

The soles of the feet and sides of the toes can also be affected. Warm shoes, sweating, damp socks and friction can all trigger or worsen flare-ups.
Because blisters on the feet can have several possible causes, it is important not to assume every itchy blister is dyshidrotic eczema. Athlete’s foot, contact reactions and other skin conditions can sometimes look similar.

What Causes Dyshidrotic Eczema?

There is not always one single cause. Dyshidrotic eczema is usually linked to a combination of skin sensitivity, environmental exposure and individual triggers.
People with eczema-prone skin may have a weaker skin barrier. This means the skin can lose moisture more easily and may be more vulnerable to irritation from everyday products, water, sweat and friction.
Dyshidrotic eczema is not caused by poor hygiene, and it is not contagious.
For a wider explanation of why eczema can develop and flare, see What Causes Eczema?

Common Triggers for Dyshidrotic Eczema

Triggers vary, but many people find that flare-ups are more likely during certain situations.

Stress

Stress does not cause eczema on its own, but it can make flare-ups more likely or make itching feel harder to manage. Many people notice their skin becomes more reactive during busy, difficult or emotionally demanding periods.

Sweating and Moisture

Warm weather, gloves, closed shoes and prolonged moisture exposure can all irritate the skin. Sweat trapped against the hands or feet may worsen itching and blistering for some people.

Soaps, Detergents and Cleaning Products

Frequent contact with soaps, hand sanitiser, washing-up liquid, household cleaners and detergents can strip moisture from the skin and weaken the skin barrier.
This is especially relevant for people who work in cleaning, healthcare, food preparation, hairdressing, childcare, construction or other hands-on jobs.

Metals and Allergens

Some people with dyshidrotic eczema may react to allergens such as nickel or cobalt. Jewellery, tools, coins, keys and certain workplace materials can sometimes be relevant.
If symptoms appear after contact with a particular product, material or chemical, our guide to Hand Eczema vs Contact Dermatitis may help you understand the difference.

Seasonal Changes

Many people notice flare-ups during warmer weather, while others find cold weather, dry indoor heating or sudden temperature changes make their skin worse.

Existing Eczema or Sensitive Skin

People who already experience eczema, dermatitis or very sensitive skin may be more likely to develop recurring hand or foot flare-ups.

Dyshidrotic Eczema or Something Else?

Dyshidrotic eczema can look similar to other skin conditions, especially when blisters appear on the hands or feet.

A pharmacist, GP or dermatologist can help if you are unsure what is causing your symptoms.

You should seek medical advice promptly if the skin becomes very painful, hot, swollen, weeping, crusted, rapidly spreading or if you feel unwell. These can sometimes be signs of infection or another condition that needs treatment.

How Is Dyshidrotic Eczema Treated?

Treatment depends on how severe the flare-up is and how often it returns.
A GP or dermatologist may recommend treatments such as prescription creams, ointments or other medicines to help calm inflammation during more severe flare-ups. If an allergy or infection is suspected, they may also investigate that.
At home, the goal is usually to reduce irritation, protect the skin barrier and keep the skin comfortable between flare-ups.

How to Manage Dyshidrotic Eczema Day to Day

There is no single routine that works for everyone, but these practical steps can make a meaningful difference.

Track Your Triggers

A simple note on your phone can help you spot patterns. Record when symptoms started, what products you used, whether you were stressed, sweating more than usual or exposed to new materials.

Supporting Dry, Cracked Skin After a Flare-Up

As the blisters heal, dryness and cracking can become the main problem.

This stage can be uncomfortable because damaged skin is more vulnerable to irritation. The focus should be on restoring comfort and avoiding products that sting or strip the skin further.

Our guide to Cracked Hands explains why skin can split, feel sore and take time to recover.

Skincare for Dyshidrotic Eczema-Prone Skin

When your skin is already reactive, the aim is not to use lots of products. A simple, consistent routine is often easier to tolerate.
Many people choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare that helps keep dry skin feeling moisturised and supported without adding unnecessary irritation.

Choosing the Right Moisturiser

Not all moisturisers are the same. If you're unsure what ingredients to look for, or how to choose a cream that's suitable for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, our guide to Best Cream for Dyshidrotic Eczema explains what to look for, which ingredients may help support the skin barrier, and what to avoid.

Our Eczema Treatment Collection includes products developed for people with dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Our Atopic Cream is often chosen by customers looking for a rich, fragrance-free moisturiser to support dry, uncomfortable skin on the hands, feet and body.

As with any skincare product, patch test first and stop using it if irritation occurs.

Why People Trust Bragan Skincare

Bragan Skincare began with a simple belief: people with sensitive skin deserve products that feel gentle, comforting and realistic to use every day.
Our products do not begin in a boardroom. They begin with conversations with people living with eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and dry, reactive skin.

People were tired of harsh routines, heavily fragranced products and promises that sounded too good to be true.
What many people wanted was simpler:

• calmer-feeling skin

• less dryness and irritation

• skincare they could tolerate consistently

• more day-to-day comfort
  
  

That is why our approach is centred around gentle skin-barrier support rather than aggressive routines.

You can read more about the people and experiences that shaped the brand in Our Story.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Speak to a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist if:

• your blisters are severe, painful or spreading

• the skin is hot, swollen, crusted or leaking fluid

• you think the skin may be infected

• symptoms are affecting work, sleep or daily life

• you are unsure whether it is eczema, a fungal infection or another condition

• flare-ups keep returning despite avoiding triggers and moisturising regularly
  
  

A medical professional can help confirm the cause and discuss treatment options suited to your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dyshidrotic eczema contagious?

No. Dyshidrotic eczema is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.

Can stress cause dyshidrotic eczema?

Stress may not be the only cause, but it can be a trigger for some people and may make flare-ups more likely.

Can dyshidrotic eczema spread?

It can appear in more than one area of the hands or feet during a flare-up, but it does not spread from person to person.

Does dyshidrotic eczema go away?

Some people have one-off flare-ups, while others experience recurring symptoms. Identifying triggers, protecting the skin barrier and seeking medical advice when needed can help manage it.

Is dyshidrotic eczema the same as athlete’s foot?

No. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, while dyshidrotic eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. They can sometimes look similar, particularly on the feet, so medical advice may be helpful if you are unsure.

What is the best moisturiser for dyshidrotic eczema?

The best choice is usually a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser that your skin tolerates well and that you can use consistently. If your skin is cracked, painful or inflamed, a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist can advise on the most suitable treatment.