What should you know about painful blisters on hands and feet?

Dyshidrotic eczema, also called pompholyx, causes small fluid-filled blisters on the sides of the fingers, palms, toes, or soles. They can itch, burn, or hurt, then dry and peel as the flare settles. Sweating, irritants, stress, or contact with certain substances may contribute, although a trigger is not always found.

Blisters can also follow friction, burns, infection, or another inflammatory skin condition. Foot itching, scaling, or changes between the toes may point toward a different cause. A clinician may examine the distribution, surrounding skin, and nails before choosing treatment.

Keep the area clean and dry, use cool compresses for comfort, and avoid popping blisters. Cover an open blister with a clean non-stick dressing and reduce friction with well-fitting shoes and soft socks. Use fragrance-free cleansers and wear gloves for wet work or cleaning. Do not apply strong medicated creams without advice, especially if the skin is open. A clinician may prescribe topical corticosteroids during a flare; persistent disease may need other options such as narrowband UVB phototherapy.

Arrange a review if blisters keep returning, spread, interfere with walking or hand use, or do not settle. Seek prompt care for increasing warmth, swelling, pus, red streaks, fever, or severe pain. Urgent assessment is appropriate for widespread blistering, eye or mouth involvement, or a blistering reaction that follows a new medicine. People with diabetes or reduced sensation should have broken skin assessed early.

Ask whether the pattern fits dyshidrotic eczema, friction, fungal infection, or another cause. Ask how to dress an open blister, which irritants to avoid, and whether a topical corticosteroid is suitable. If flares recur, discuss possible triggers, hand and foot protection, and when phototherapy or another treatment should be considered.