Dyshidrotic eczema is a non-contagious skin condition characterized by small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters, often flaring up during the spring. While there is no definitive cure, the condition is manageable through proper treatment and care.
It affects various areas of the body and goes by several names, including pompholyx, acute palmoplantar eczema, cheiropompholyx (on the hands), and podopompholyx (on the feet).
The condition falls under the broader umbrella of eczema, or dermatitis, which causes painful inflammation, redness, swelling, and oozing or crusting skin.
Eczema affects an estimated 35 million people in the United States alone, with roughly 70 percent of cases occurring in children under the age of five. Flare-ups can be triggered by genetic factors or allergic reactions, requiring ongoing management to keep symptoms controlled.