Pompholyx Treatment

Pompholyx is a skin condition that is known in many different names like dyshidrosis, pompholyx eczema, acute vesiculobullous hand eczema, cheiropompholyx, dyshidrotic eczema and podopompholyx. It is characterized by tiny blisters on the fingers, palms and soles. Even though, it can affect people of any age, youngsters are found to be more prone to this condition. Studies show that people belonging to the age group of 20 to 40 are susceptible and is more common in women. Even infants and small kids may develop this condition, but, in most cases, they outgrow pompholyx as they reach adolescence.

Causes

Pompholyx eczema is a condition with unknown causes. Earlier, it was thought that this skin disorder is caused by excessive sweating. But, later it was found that it is not related to sweating. However, there are various triggering factors for pompholyx. It is linked with other medical conditions associated with other types of eczema like atopic dermatitis. Even some allergic conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis, are said to be triggering factors for pompholyx. Stress is also said to be a triggering factor for this skin condition. In some cases, fungal infections may lead to pompholyx. Other triggers include exposure to strong sunlight, chemicals and use of chlorinated water.

Allergy to certain foods like soy products, cocoa and chocolate, is also found to trigger pompholyx eczema. In some people, consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated drinks, can be the trigger. Some of bowel problems like ulcerative colitis and intestinal yeast infection, are also linked to this condition. Dust mite allergy is also considered a triggering factor for pompholyx.

Symptoms

As mentioned above, small blisters on the feet, fingers and palms is the characteristic feature of this skin disorder. Such blisters are mostly found to be fluid-filled and are located on the sides of the fingers and toes. They are found to develop as small itching bumps that may transform to blisters. In mild cases or acute stages, the blisters may not burst or merge with one another to form larger ones and are found to subside without further problems, except little bit of peeling. In chronic conditions, the blisters break open and may merge to form larger ones. The affected skin may crack, peel, crust over and get hardened. Severe cases are found to be painful with nail fold swelling and cracks in the nails. Even secondary infections of the site are common.

Treatment

Pompholyx is a skin condition that does not have an instant cure. There are many different types of treatment available for this condition. However, instead of a single treatment, a combination of different methods is usually adopted, as per the condition of the patient. In other words, a treatment plan is made on the basis of the severity and nature of the condition in individual cases. The following are some of the pompholyx treatment modes that are used for controlling this condition.

• To start with, the doctor will check for underlying causes. If any such cause is detected, it has to be treated.
• In case of acute pompholyx, cool compresses are recommended to soothe and dry up the blisters on feet and hands. This included weak solutions of Condy's crystals (potassium permanganate), aluminum acetate 1% (Burow's solution), or vinegar in water, etc. However, such compresses are not used in case of dry eczema.
• The compresses have to applied for around three to four times a day for around 10-15 minutes. Apart from compresses, rest is also recommended, especially, in case of foot pompholyx treatment.
• If the blisters are very large, treatment may include draining of the blisters with needles. Antibiotics are also used in treating this condition, but, only when the affected person develop secondary infection.
• In case of acute stage pompholyx, treatment may sometimes include a short course of oral steroids. In case of sub acute and chronic stages, high strength topical steroids are often administered. In some cases, systemic steroids are also prescribed for a short period.
• In some chronic cases, PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet A) therapy is said to be effective for dyshidrotic eczema treatment. In such cases, the affected part is subjected to treatment with psoralen solution, before exposing to long wave ultraviolet light. This is continued for a certain period.

In short, pompholyx is a condition which can recur and cause severe discomfort. So, it is highly necessary that you get it treated and follow a careful skin care routine to avoid recurrences. Keep the skin well moisturized and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and sunlight. Use soft clothes, especially cotton. Avoid scratching the affected area and always keep the hands and feet clean and dry. Once you identify the trigger, make sure that you avoid them.