Small Blisters on Hands

Small blisters on hands are also referred to as Dyshidrotic Dermatitis. The meaning of dyshidrotic is "bad sweating". It has been said that the cause of this kind of eczema is excessive sweating, but the direct co-relation has not been proved. Although people with no history of excessive sweating also have outbreaks of these blisters. These blisters can be caused due to allergy, seasonal changes, etc.

Characteristics of Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
The characteristics of this skin condition are pink or red colored blisters on feet and hands, which hurt usually in the mornings. As they heal, they leave behind a brown dot like scar. The other important characteristics of this eczema is that it is not contagious. These small blisters on hands are chronic in nature. If any of your parents have suffered from it, it can be passed down to you as well. Like other forms of dermatitis, it is also hereditary.

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis Symptoms
The most common symptom of this dermatitis is very small blisters on tips and sides of fingers and toes and also on the palms and soles. These blisters are opaque and do not break easily. At times, they can be slightly elevated from the skin. After a few days many small blisters go on to make large blisters. These blisters can cause pain and itching. The symptoms go from bad to worse after the hands or the feet come in contact with soap or any other irritant. If scratching causes these blisters to break, the fluid inside the blister is released causing the skin to crack. The cracking can be painful and can take a very long time to heal. The appearance of the nails of fingers and toes changes.

Causes of Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
Although previously the cause of this dermatitis was said to be sweat, the vesicular lesions are not associated with sweat. However, excessive sweating can aggravate the skin condition. Fungal infection can trigger off small blisters on feet and hands. In some cases prolonged exposure to the sun is said to be the root cause of this eczema.

Exposure to over chlorinated water in swimming pools can cause this eczema. Some people can be allergic to certain fragrances and contact with these fragrances can trigger an allergy. Contact with fresh juices or meat is also said to trigger off these blisters.

Often, the consumption of certain category of foods, like food with high nickel content for e.g. cocoa, whole grains, etc. is said to cause these blisters. Caffeine present in coffee could also lead to triggering of allergies in the form of these blisters. Alcohol consumption can cause severe fissures and cracking of the skin, as alcohol dehydrates the entire system.

Keeping the skin damp can start an outbreak of this skin condition. Hence people who suffer from this skin disorder should avoid wearing latex or vinyl gloves. They should wear natural fabrics like cotton and silk, which allow the skin to breathe well. Synthetics and nylons can irritate the skin, and worsen the condition.

And last but not the least, stress could also cause this skin disorder.

Treating Small Blisters on Hand
Potassium permanganate soaks dry out the vesicles. However only diluted soaks are to be used, as undiluted soaks can be painful. Salt water soaks and white vinegar soaks are said to be beneficial for this skin condition. Avoid consumption of caffeine and alcohol.

It is important that the person who is suffering from small blisters on hands and feet finds out the possible reasons which could have caused the breakout.