Pompholyx: Eczema of the Hands

What is Pompholyx? It is a form of eczema that affects the hands and sometimes the feet. It appears as tiny, pimple like blisters filled with fluid. It usually begins on the sides of the fingers, and then can spread to other fingers and eventually the entire hand if not treated. Pompholyx also creates drying, cracking, flaking, itching, and burning of the hands. There isn't a sure cause of pompholyx and there is no known medical cure at this time. (For photos of Pompholyx, see the link on the left, listed under resources).

There are different forms of treatment available for Pompholyx, such as topical steroids, some antibiotics, or a combination of the two. Regardless of what treatment a person is given, it will always require management of the condition at home as well. In fact, this can be the most important and effective way to keep Pompholyx under control.

Below you'll find some tips on how to find relief from Pompholyx and keep the symptoms at a minimum.

Gloves

Things like water, soap, cleaners, and some kinds of food can irritate the skin and create breakouts. You'll have to get used to wearing gloves. However, just any kind of gloves will not work. You'll need cotton gloves, as well as nitrile gloves. Laytex and rubber gloves will worsen the condition.

It's best to wear the cotton gloves underneath the nitrile. It prevents sweating and itching. You will need to wear the gloves almost constantly. This will prevent the hands from being exposed to things that will exacerbate the problem. Since wearing gloves can get expensive, you might try washing the nitrile gloves while they are on your hands after cooking or cleaning. Use discernment when doing this. Sometimes it's better to dispose of them.

Wearing the gloves will also prevent you from having to wash your hands too often. Since water and soap are irritants, this is very important. Try not to wash your hands more than six times a day.

Cotton and nitrile gloves can sometimes be found in drug stores like Walgreens, Rite Aid, or CVS. If the stores do not have them in stock, their online stores usually do.

Moisturizing

With Pompholyx it is important to keep the hands moisturized. Use a mild, fragrance free lotion throughout the day. You can find these lotions in most department stores or online. Some good options are, Cetaphil moisturizing fragrance free lotion, Eucerin Cream, or Nuetrogena Fragrance free Body Emulsion. Apply the lotion after washing and drying hands, and whenever the hands start to feel dry.

Soap

As already mentioned soap is an extreme irritant. Stay away from scented body washes and hand soaps. Try switching to a mild fragrance free soap. It's even better to use a soap substitute, like Dermasoft. The Dermasoft soap substitute can be used for, hands, face, body, and scalp, so it's a good option. You can find Dermasoft online.

Inti Itch Cream

Keeping anti itch cream around is essential. It can usually be applied about three times a day. Pompholyx can create severe itching, and scratching can break the skin and lead to breakouts. Anti itch cream is a good way to avoid this. It's most important to apply it at night right before bed, to avoid itching and scratching during sleep. Just rub it in, as you would hand lotion. Try to keep hands out from under the blankets, to avoid heat and sweating.

At home maintenance plays a big part in treating this condition. These tips will help you find relief and keep Pompholyx under control.