Do you have itchy hands and feet with tiny, fluid-filled blisters? You could have a type of eczema called dyshidrotic eczema, also called pompholyx or dyshidrosis. These blisters aren’t just itchy — they can be painful enough to affect your daily life.

One member of MyEczemaTeam shared a photo of their skin with the caption: “This is the bottom of my foot! I have tried everything! I can’t even walk sometimes.”

Another wrote, “It’s on my palms too, dyshidrotic eczema. I am seeing a dermatologist, but it’s very slowly resolving. So frustrating!”

People with the skin condition sometimes wonder if popping dyshidrotic eczema blisters is safe. It might seem popping eczema blisters would bring relief, but doctors say you shouldn’t do it. Learn why it’s important not to pop dyshidrotic eczema blisters and what you can do to ease the discomfort instead.

What Is Dyshidrotic Eczema?

In people with dyshidrotic eczema, small blisters form on and around the hands and feet, including around the edges of fingers and toes. These can itch and burn and may even feel like you’re being pricked by tiny needles everywhere there’s a blister.

“I’m stressed. I suffer from dyshidrotic eczema. It’s aggravating and itchy, and forms blisters,” one member of MyEczemaTeam wrote.

Another said, “Right now, my fingers are dry and cracked and itchy. And it’s painful when moving them.”

Dyshidrotic eczema looks like a rash. It can itch and burn deep within the skin. When you look at the rash more closely, you’ll notice it’s made of a series of tiny blisters, called vesicles. These vesicles will usually go away within two to three weeks, leaving the skin to peel. Deep cracks can appear in the dry skin as it heals, which can also be painful and need treatment.

What Causes Dyshidrotic Eczema?

No one knows what causes this skin condition. Doctors believe it’s tied to several factors, including:

• Genetics — The condition tends to run in families.
• Stress — Reducing stress may help improve symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema.
• Allergy or contact dermatitis reaction — Touching certain substances, such as nickel, cobalt, and ingredients in shampoos, detergents, or soaps, can trigger dyshidrotic eczema in some people.
• Wetness or dampness — If your hands are often in water or if you sweat a lot, you may be more likely to get dyshidrotic eczema.
• Weather — The condition can come and go with the seasons, although which season causes flare-ups varies from person to person.
• Age — This type of eczema is more common in people aged 20 to 40 years old.
• Sex — According to Cleveland Clinic, females are more likely to develop dyshidrotic eczema. That said, anyone, regardless of gender, can develop dyshidrotic eczema at any time.

How Common Is Dyshidrotic Eczema?

Because of how easily dyshidrotic eczema can be mistaken for another skin condition, doctors aren’t certain how common it is. Also, people who experience it only once or twice often don’t go to the doctor for treatment.

Dyshidrotic eczema accounts for about 5 percent to 20 percent of all cases of hand dermatitis. But this estimate is based only on people who reported symptoms to a healthcare provider. The number also doesn’t include cases of dyshidrotic eczema on the feet.

You’re more likely to get dyshidrotic eczema if you’ve already been diagnosed with another kind of eczema, like atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. But it’s not clear how much having other types of eczema raises your risk.

3 Reasons Not To Pop Dyshidrotic Eczema Blisters

One way to help dyshidrotic eczema heal is to avoid popping the itchy blisters. It might be tempting — especially when all you want to do is scratch — but the risks of breaking the blisters outweigh any short-term relief.

1. You Risk Infection

The skin covering the blister is still protecting you, even if it’s itching like crazy. Scratching and irritating that layer of skin will leave you more vulnerable to infections. Skin infections are common in areas of dyshidrotic eczema because when the skin naturally heals, it can crack open. Scratching open the blisters early can expose you to additional bacteria.

If you see signs of an infection, like swelling, skin turning a deep red or a dark purple color, or pus oozing from the area, talk to your doctor right away. They should be able to get you the antibiotic you need to fight the infection and heal.

2. Healing May Take Longer

Wounds that are opened, like from popping blisters or scratching too much, take longer to heal than skin that’s left alone to heal naturally. This is especially true if you develop infections or other complications. Cover the affected areas and treat them with moisturizer.

You can also use a topical anti-itch cream — meaning a cream you put directly on your skin — but avoid topical antihistamines, which aren’t recommended for eczema. They can cause a rash (called allergic contact dermatitis) from an allergic reaction on the skin and don’t effectively relieve eczema-related itch.

Following these steps can help you avoid scratching the blisters open and dealing with them for even longer.

3. You Risk Scarring

Anytime you have an open wound in your skin, you risk scarring. If you scratch open an area regularly, it’s more likely to scar. If the area gets infected, its risk of scarring can increase. Not scratching dyshidrotic eczema blisters can help prevent scarring.

If you scratch regularly, the skin in that area can become thicker and look different than the rest of your skin. This is your skin’s defense against scratching. If you can’t avoid scratching, talk to your doctor. Your healthcare provider can help you find an effective anti-itch regimen so your skin can heal.

How To Manage Dyshidrotic Eczema

The best thing you can do to manage dyshidrotic eczema is to find your triggers and avoid them. Some MyEczemaTeam members have taken this approach. One asked, “Anyone with dyshidrotic eczema notice a heat/sweat trigger? Especially for the soles of the feet?”

Another wrote, “I looked up dyshidrotic eczema and got a list of triggers. As I have decreased my exposure, my outbreaks are better.”

Regularly moisturizing your skin with a lotion or ointment, such as petroleum jelly, is one of the most important steps you can take to help dyshidrotic eczema heal. Use a moisturizer that doesn’t have chemicals likely to trigger allergic reactions, including scents, dyes, fragrances, and alcohol. Look for products designed to be applied when your skin is damp, which will help it absorb more moisture.

If you have to be in contact with substances that you know can trigger a dyshidrotic eczema flare-up, wear gloves. The best gloves are lined with cotton to further protect your skin.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, stress can’t cause dyshidrotic eczema. It can, however, trigger a flare-up. If stress seems to be a trigger for you, take steps to reduce your stress levels. This can be easier said than done, but there are several stress-reduction techniques that you can use — even if you’re very busy and can’t take anything off your plate.

Talk With Your Doctor

If your dyshidrotic eczema isn’t going away, is getting worse, or is interfering with your ability to work, study, or sleep, talk to your dermatologist. There are many different treatment options, and your doctor can help you figure out which one is right for you. Some treatments are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.

Find Your Team

On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Are you wondering what to do about your dyshidrotic eczema blisters? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.