Pompholyx
Pompholyx, also termed Dyshidrotic Eczema,Dyshidrosis, Vesiculobullous hand eczema, and Dyshidrotic Dermatitis, is a skin condition that is characterized by small blisters on the hands or feet. It is an acute, chronic, or recurrent dermatosis of the fingers, palms, and soles, characterized by a sudden onset of many deep-seated pruritic, clear vesicles; later, scaling, fissures and lichenification occur. Recurrence is common and for many can be chronic. Incidence/Prevalence is said to be 20/100,000 in the USA, however, many cases of eczema are diagnosed as garden-variety atopic eczema without further investigation, so it is possible this figure is misleading.
This condition is not contagious to others, but due to its unsightly nature can cause significant distress in regards to social interactions with others.
The name comes from the word “dyshidrotic,” meaning “bad sweating,” which was once believed to be the cause but this association is unproven; there are many cases present that have no history of excessive sweating. There are a number of different factors which may trigger the outbreak of dyshidrosis such as allergens, stress or seasonal changes. Emotional stress may also further aggravate the condition.
Symptoms OF Pompholyx are as follows:
- Cracks and fissures in the skin.
- Excessive sweating.
- Appearing of tiny blisters (vesicles) deep in the skin.
- The pain can occur with larger blisters.
- Infection with herpes simplex (the cold sore virus) may cause a severe blistering rash.
- Intense itching at the site of the blistering.
- Severe pompholyx around the nail folds may cause nail dystrophy, resulting in irregular ridges and chronic paronychia (nail fold swelling).
Leave a Reply