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A Cluster of Red Bumps on the Hand
You may develop a cluster of red bumps on your hand if you have dyshidrosis, which is also known as dyshidrotic eczema 3. This is a condition that may affect the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet. You may develop small, fluid-filled blisters on these areas that redden with inflammation. These blisters may last for approximately three weeks.
Symptoms
Dyshidrosis begins with dermatitis on the palms of your hands, bottom of your feet or both. Dermatitis may occur with reddened, swollen and itchy skin. Dyshidrosis may start out as small, itchy bumps that gradually progress into a rash of fluid-filled blisters. These blisters may cause intense itching and causes cracks or fissures on the skin of your fingers. Large blisters may become especially painful.
- Dyshidrosis begins with dermatitis on the palms of your hands, bottom of your feet or both.
- Dyshidrosis may start out as small, itchy bumps that gradually progress into a rash of fluid-filled blisters.
Causes
Itchy Skin From Sun Exposure
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The precise cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown, notes MedlinePlus 3. Dyshidrosis may be associated with allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever, and you may experience seasonal breakouts if you have allergies. Dyshidrosis may be associated with other skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis.
- The precise cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown, notes MedlinePlus 3.
- Dyshidrosis may be associated with allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever, and you may experience seasonal breakouts if you have allergies.
Risk Factors
Women are more likely to experience dyshidrosis than men, and you may be more likely to develop the condition if you are under stress. Exposure to metal salts such as chromium, cobalt and nickel found in cement or through mechanical work may increase your risk for developing dyshidrosis. Seasonal allergies can increase your risk for developing the condition. Exposing your skin to moisture, water or wet substances may also trigger dyshidrosis.
- Women are more likely to experience dyshidrosis than men, and you may be more likely to develop the condition if you are under stress.
- Exposure to metal salts such as chromium, cobalt and nickel found in cement or through mechanical work may increase your risk for developing dyshidrosis.
At-Home Treatment
Allergy & Itchy Hands and Feet
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Do not scratch the blisters. Avoid frequent bathing, hand washing and irritating substances like perfumed lotions or dish washing soap. These activities and substances can make the itching worse. You can apply a wet or cold compress to your hands to help alleviate itching, increase the effectiveness of the topical creams and suppress blisters. Moisturize your hands with hand cream after washing your hands.
- Do not scratch the blisters.
- Moisturize your hands with hand cream after washing your hands.
Drug Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe strong corticosteroid topical creams to help speed up your recovery and improve the appearance of blisters. Corticosteroid cream can also treat cracks and fissures that may occur after your blisters dry up. Anti-itching medications called anti-pruritics or antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or loratadine can help alleviate itching. Your doctor may recommend a form of ultraviolet light therapy to treat dyshidrosis. Psoralen plus ultraviolet therapy combines ultraviolet light with medications that help make your skin more receptive to the effects of ultraviolet light.
- Your doctor may prescribe strong corticosteroid topical creams to help speed up your recovery and improve the appearance of blisters.
- Corticosteroid cream can also treat cracks and fissures that may occur after your blisters dry up.
Related Articles
References
- MayoClinic.com: Dyshidrosis
- MayoClinic.com: Dermatitis
- MedlinePlus: Dyshidrotic Eczema
- Lee WJ, Lee DW, Kim CH, et al. Pompholyx with bile-coloured vesicles in a patient with jaundice: are sweat ducts involved in the development of pompholyx? J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010 Feb;24(2):235-6. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03383.x
- Agner T, Aalto-Korte K, Andersen KE, et al. Classification of hand eczema. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2015 Dec;29(12):2417-22. doi:10.1111/jdv.13308
- Gerstenblith MR, Antony AK, Junkins-Hopkins JM, Abuav R. Pompholyx and eczematous reactions associated with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012 Feb;66(2):312-6. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.12.034
- Nishizawa A. Dyshidrotic Eczema and Its Relationship to Metal Allergy. Curr Probl Dermatol. 2016;51:80-5. doi:10.1159/000446785
- Wollina U. Pompholyx: a review of clinical features, differential diagnosis, and management. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2010;11(5):305-14. doi:10.2165/11533250-000000000-00000
Writer Bio
Miguel Cavazos is a photographer and fitness trainer in Los Angeles who began writing in 2006. He has contributed health, fitness and nutrition articles to various online publications, previously editing stand-up comedy and writing script coverage as a celebrity assistant. Cavazos holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and political science from Texas Christian University.