Pompholyx Eczema Treatment

Pompholyx is a type of eczema in which small blisters develop on the hands and/or soles of the feet. The blisters from the condition, which is also commonly called dyshidrosis or dyshidrotic eczema, generally last about three weeks, and they can be extremely itchy. Once the blisters dry, fissures or cracks can form on the skin, causing pain and discomfort. The cause of pompholyx is not known, but it is sometimes associated with atopic dermatitis. It is also more common in people with allergic reactions such as hay fever and asthma.

Steroid Creams

A common drug used to treat pompholyx and other similar skin disorders is a topical steroid. The medicines, such as clobetasol propionate, are available as creams or ointments and are applied to the affected skin. Steroid creams can help make the blisters from the condition go away more quickly and also help treat the dry, cracked skin that results after the blisters are gone. In severe cases, your doctor may also prescribe an oral steroid to help clear up the skin. Because of the possibly dangerous side effects from long-term use, steroids should only be used on a short-term basis. Never take the drugs for longer than your doctor recommends.

Antihistamines

Because pompholyx is often a very itchy condition, your doctor will likely recommend an antihistamine. Your doctor will either prescribe a prescription-strength medicine or recommend you purchase an over-the-counter drug to help relieve the itching associated with the condition.

Compresses

Many pompholyx patients can alleviate some of the itching associated with the condition by applying cold or wet compresses to the affected skin for about 15 minutes four times a day. Using solutions such as potassium permanganate, vinegar or aluminum acetate can also help dry the blisters, which can speed the recovery time.

Light Therapy

In some cases, a type of light therapy called psoralen plus ultraviolet A, or PUVA, can be used to treat pompholyx. PUVA involves treating the affected skin with a psoralen solution before exposing it to ultraviolet light. PUVA therapy typically is performed multiple times a week for a period of months to help treat pompholyx. Additionally, a newer type of light therapy involving the use of narrow-band ultraviolet B light is now sometimes used to treat the condition.

References

• Pompholyx information
• Dyshidrosis overview

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