Dyshidrosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for the Itchy Hand and Foot Blisters

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026

Dyshidrosis is a skin condition that causes small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the palms, the sides of the fingers, and sometimes the soles of the feet [1]. The blisters last a few weeks, then dry and flake off, and they often come back regularly [1]. The cause isn't fully known, but stress, metal exposure, sensitive skin, and eczema raise the risk [1]. Treatment most often involves prescription steroid creams or ointments, with light therapy and other options for severe cases [2].

Quick Answer

Dyshidrosis, also called dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx, is a skin condition that causes small, fluid-filled blisters on the palms and sides of the fingers, and sometimes the soles. The blisters last a few weeks, then dry and flake off, and often return. It is not contagious. Prescription steroid creams are the usual treatment. [1] [2]

What the research says

• Dupilumab helped most people with chronic hand eczema, including the dyshidrotic type. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 studies (374 patients) found that any partial response or complete resolution occurred in 80.3% of patients treated with dupilumab within 4 to 16 weeks, with consistently high efficacy in dyshidrotic, vesicular, atopic, and contact subtypes. The most common side effect was conjunctivitis (9.9%), and the authors note that more randomized trials are needed (Riva et al., Dermatitis, 2026 [3]).

• Light therapy improved dyshidrotic eczema in a placebo-controlled trial. In a randomized, double-blind trial of 28 patients, UVA-1 irradiation given five times a week for 3 weeks was significantly more effective than placebo after 2 and 3 weeks, and no side effects were observed (Polderman et al., Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2003 [4]).

• A steroid ointment and tacrolimus worked similarly, but symptoms often returned. In a randomized, observer-blinded trial of 16 patients with dyshidrotic palmar eczema, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment each cut the dyshidrotic area and severity index by more than 50% after 2 weeks, yet 14 of 16 patients had symptoms return within 3 weeks of stopping treatment (Schnopp et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2002 [5]).

What Is Dyshidrosis?

Dyshidrosis is a skin condition that causes small, fluid-filled blisters to form on the palms of the hands and sides of the fingers. Sometimes the bottoms of the feet are affected too [1].

The itchy blisters last a few weeks and often come back. You may hear the condition called by two other names: dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx. All three refer to the same thing [1].

One important reassurance upfront: dyshidrosis is not contagious. It can't spread to other people, no matter how the blisters look [1].

Symptoms: What the Blisters Look and Feel Like

Dyshidrosis symptoms include painful, itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the sides of the fingers, the palms of the hands, and the bottoms of the feet [1]. Here's how to recognize them:

• Tiny blisters. The blisters are small, about the width of a standard pencil lead [1].

• Clustered pattern. They are grouped in clusters and can look like tapioca [1].

• Merged blisters. With severe disease, small blisters can merge to form larger ones [1].

• Intense itch and pain. Affected skin can be very itchy and painful [1].

• Drying phase. After a few weeks, the blisters dry and flake off [1].

• Return cycle. Dyshidrosis tends to come back regularly for months or years [1].

When to See a Doctor

Not every rash needs medical attention, but call your doctor if you have a rash on your hands or feet that is severe, doesn't go away, or spreads beyond the hands and feet [1]. Since the blisters tend to recur for months or years anyway, getting a proper diagnosis early makes self-care and treatment decisions much easier.

What Causes Dyshidrosis?

The cause of dyshidrosis isn't known. What is known is that it tends to happen in people who have a skin condition called atopic dermatitis (eczema) and in people with allergic conditions, such as hay fever or glove allergy [1].

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Stress. Dyshidrosis appears to be more common during times of emotional or physical stress [1].

• Exposure to certain metals. Cobalt and nickel, often in an industrial setting [1].

• Sensitive skin. People who develop a rash after contact with certain irritants are more likely to form the blisters [1].

• Atopic dermatitis. Some people with atopic dermatitis may have dyshidrosis [1].

Can Dyshidrosis Cause Real Problems?

For most people with dyshidrosis, it's just an itchy inconvenience. For others, the pain and itching may limit the use of their hands or feet. Two complications deserve attention [1]:

Bacterial infection. Intense scratching can increase the risk of a bacterial infection of the affected skin [1]. This is one more reason to manage the itch instead of scratching through it.

Skin color changes. After healing, you may notice skin color changes in the affected area, called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is more likely to occur in people with brown or Black skin, and it most often goes away in time without treatment [1].

Diagnosis: What to Expect at the Doctor

To diagnose dyshidrosis, your doctor will likely talk with you about your medical history and look at the affected skin [2]. Because other conditions can mimic dyshidrosis, you might also need one or two ruling-out tests [2]:

• Skin scraping. The scraping is tested for the type of fungus that causes athlete's foot, which can look similar [2].

• Patch test. The skin is exposed to a small amount of a suspected allergen and watched for a reaction [2].

Treatment: What Really Helps

Treatment for dyshidrosis most often includes prescription steroid skin creams or ointments. Your doctor may suggest a different approach depending on how severe your symptoms are [2].

The Main Treatment Options

• Corticosteroid creams or ointments. Your doctor may prescribe one to help clear up the blisters. Covering the treated area in plastic wrap or a moist bandage helps the skin absorb the medicine. Long-term use can cause side effects such as spider veins and thinning of skin [2].

• Oral steroids. In severe cases, a brief course of oral steroids, such as prednisone, may be used as a bridge to other treatments [2].

• Phototherapy. If other treatments aren't effective, a UV light called narrowband UVB may be directed at the affected skin [2].

• Immune-suppressing ointments. The calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus may be helpful for people who want to limit their exposure to steroids. Do not combine this treatment with phototherapy [2].

• Controlling sweating. Heavy sweating of the palms and soles may contribute to dyshidrosis. Your doctor might suggest antiperspirants or injections of botulinum toxin A, which may help reduce sweating and improve the skin [2].

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Two simple approaches can help at home. Applying a moist cloth, a wet, cool cloth, may help reduce itching. Taking anti-itch drugs, over-the-counter antihistamine medicine such as diphenhydramine or loratadine, may also relieve itching [2].

Prevention and Daily Skin Care

There's no way to prevent dyshidrosis. It may help to manage stress and avoid exposure to metal salts such as cobalt and nickel [1]. Good skin care practices may also help protect the skin [1]:

• Wash gently. Use mild, nonsoap cleansers and lukewarm water to wash your hands [1].

• Dry thoroughly. Dry your hands well after washing [1].

• Moisturize regularly. Apply moisturizer at least twice a day [1].

• Wear gloves wisely. Gloves can protect your skin, but if you notice gloves worsen the rash, you may be sensitive to them. Tell your doctor, and try cotton gloves to prevent irritation. For wet activities, wearing cotton gloves under waterproof gloves may help [1].

Preparing for Your Appointment

You'll likely start by seeing your primary care provider, and you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (a dermatologist) [2]. Coming prepared makes the visit count.

Before your appointment, have answers ready for questions like these:

• Have you experienced this problem in the past?

• Do you have an allergy, such as to rubber, glue, fragrances, or nickel?

• Have you been under extra stress lately?

• What medicines and supplements do you take?

• Are you exposed to certain metals or chemicals at work or during other activities?

Your doctor will likely ask:

• When did you first notice your symptoms?

• Are they present all the time or only once in a while?

• How severe are they?

• What improves them?

• What worsens them?

Conclusion: Manageable, Even When It Comes Back

Dyshidrosis is frustrating but manageable. The blisters are tiny, the itch is outsized, and the condition tends to recur, but the treatment ladder is straightforward. Start with gentle skin care, stress management, and trigger avoidance. Add prescription steroid creams or ointments, and move up to phototherapy or other options only if the first steps aren't enough [2].

If your hand or foot rash is severe, stubborn, or spreading beyond the hands and feet, see a doctor. A clear diagnosis is the fastest way back to comfortable skin.

Want more clear, trustworthy health explainers like this one? Explore our library of skin and condition guides, and if a specific symptom is on your mind, tell us in the comments and we may make it our next deep dive.

FAQ

Is dyshidrosis contagious?

No. Dyshidrosis cannot spread to other people. It is not contagious, despite the appearance of the blisters.

What do dyshidrosis blisters look like?

Small, fluid-filled blisters about the width of a pencil lead, grouped in clusters on the palms, sides of the fingers, and sometimes the bottoms of the feet. They can look like tapioca.

How long do the blisters last?

The blisters typically last a few weeks, then dry and flake off. The condition tends to come back regularly for months or years.

What causes dyshidrosis?

The exact cause isn't known. It tends to occur in people with atopic dermatitis (eczema) or allergic conditions such as hay fever. Stress, metal exposure (cobalt, nickel), and sensitive skin are risk factors.

What's the difference between dyshidrosis and dyshidrotic eczema?

Nothing. They are two names for the same condition. Pompholyx is a third name for it.

What is the first-line treatment?

Prescription corticosteroid cream or ointment, sometimes applied under plastic wrap or a moist bandage to help the skin absorb the medicine.

When should I see a doctor?

When a rash on your hands or feet is severe, doesn't go away, or spreads beyond the hands and feet.

Can dyshidrosis cause permanent skin changes?

Intense scratching raises the risk of bacterial infection, and healed areas can show skin color changes (postinflammatory hyperpigmentation), which are more common in people with brown or Black skin. These changes most often go away in time without treatment.

References

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. Dyshidrosis - Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. June 27, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyshidrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352342

2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Dyshidrosis - Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. June 27, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyshidrosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352348

3. Riva HR, Yoon T, Hendricks AJ, et al. Dupilumab for chronic hand eczema: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dermatitis. 2026;37(1):20-41. PMID 39501849. https://doi.org/10.1089/derm.2024.0186

4. Polderman MCA, Govaert JCM, le Cessie S, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of UVA-1 in the treatment of dyshidrotic eczema. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2003;28(6):584-587. PMID 14616819. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2230.2003.01378.x

5. Schnopp C, Remling R, Möhrenschlager M, et al. Topical tacrolimus (FK506) and mometasone furoate in treatment of dyshidrotic palmar eczema: a randomized, observer-blinded trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2002;46(1):73-77. PMID 11756949. https://doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2002.117856

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medical condition.