Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx) in Singapore: Causes & Treatment

Written & reviewed by the BestDoctors.sg editorial team · Last updated 3 Sep 2026 · General information, not medical advice

Dyshidrotic eczema, also called pompholyx, is a skin condition that produces crops of tiny, deep-seated, itchy blisters along the sides of the fingers, the palms and the soles. In Singapore’s hot and humid climate, sweaty hands and feet are a common flare trigger, which is why many people notice it worsening through the year.

Although the blisters can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, dyshidrotic eczema is not dangerous and is not caused by poor hygiene. This guide explains what it looks like, why it happens, how a doctor diagnoses it and the treatment options available, plus when it is worth seeing a dermatologist. It differs from general eczema (atopic dermatitis) by its distinctive blistering pattern confined to the hands and feet.

At a glance

Dyshidrotic eczema: from mild flare to when you should seek care

Stage	What you may notice	What to do
Early flare	Itching and tiny clear blisters on sides of fingers or palms	Moisturise often, avoid known triggers, use a mild topical steroid if prescribed
Active blistering	Clusters of small fluid-filled blisters, intense itch	Cool compresses, prescribed topical steroid, avoid scratching or popping blisters
Drying phase	Blisters dry, skin peels and may crack	Heavy moisturiser, protect cracks, continue treatment as advised
Recurrent or severe	Frequent flares, large painful blisters, poor sleep from itch	See a dermatologist for stronger or longer-term treatment
Possible infection	Increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever	See a doctor promptly – may need antibiotics

What is dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx)?

Dyshidrotic eczema is a form of eczema affecting the hands and feet. The name pompholyx comes from the Greek word for bubble, describing the characteristic small blisters. The blisters form within the thicker skin of the palms, fingers and soles, which is why they sit deep and feel firm rather than soft.

It tends to affect teenagers and adults rather than young children, and people who already have atopic eczema, hay fever or contact allergies are more prone to it. In Singapore, healthcare workers, hairdressers, cleaners and others whose hands are often wet or sweaty see it commonly. Flares typically last a few weeks and may settle and then return.

Symptoms & signs

The hallmark of dyshidrotic eczema is sudden crops of small blisters, usually with intense itching. Common features include:

• Tiny, deep-set, clear blisters on the sides of the fingers, palms or soles
• Intense itching or a burning sensation, often before the blisters appear
• Blisters that may merge into larger ones
• Redness and skin that later dries, flakes and cracks
• Pain or tenderness, especially when cracks form on weight-bearing soles
• Recurring episodes that come and go over months

The condition is not contagious – you cannot catch it from or pass it to another person.

Causes & risk factors

The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors are linked to flares:

• Sweating and heat – common in Singapore’s humid climate, especially with occlusive gloves or shoes
• Stress – emotional stress is a well-recognised trigger
• Contact with irritants – soaps, detergents, solvents and frequent hand washing
• Metal sensitivity – particularly nickel, and sometimes cobalt
• A personal or family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever
• Fungal infection elsewhere – such as athlete’s foot, in some people

How it's diagnosed

A doctor or dermatologist can usually diagnose dyshidrotic eczema from the appearance and location of the blisters and your history of flares. Tests are not always needed, but they may be used to rule out look-alikes or find a trigger:

• Skin examination – to confirm the typical blistering pattern on hands and feet
• Skin scraping – to exclude a fungal infection, which can look similar
• Patch testing – to check for contact allergies such as nickel if flares keep recurring

Identifying and removing a trigger is often as important as the treatment itself.

Treatment options

Treatment aims to settle the current flare, ease itching and reduce how often it returns. Common approaches include:

• Moisturisers (emollients) – applied frequently to repair the skin barrier and reduce dryness and cracking
• Topical corticosteroids – the main treatment to calm inflammation and itch during a flare
• Cool compresses – to soothe itching and help dry weeping blisters
• Avoiding triggers – keeping hands cool and dry, wearing cotton-lined gloves for wet work, and avoiding known irritants or nickel
• Antihistamines – may help with itch and sleep in some people
• Stronger treatments – for severe or persistent cases a dermatologist may consider topical calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy or short courses of oral medication

This condition is managed medically rather than surgically, so there is no standard procedure cost. Treatment is usually with creams and follow-up rather than a one-off intervention.

When to see a doctor & which specialist

See a doctor if the blisters are widespread, very painful, keep coming back, disrupt your sleep or interfere with daily tasks and work. You should seek care sooner if you notice signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever, as this may need antibiotics. If you ever develop sudden swelling of the face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing after contact with something, treat it as an emergency and call 995.

A GP can manage many cases, but for recurrent, severe or hard-to-control eczema, a dermatologist can offer patch testing and stronger treatments. You can find a specialist through our directory of the best dermatologists in Singapore.

Self-care at home in Singapore’s climate

Day-to-day skin care makes a real difference in keeping flares of dyshidrotic eczema under control, especially in a hot and humid setting where sweaty hands and feet are common triggers:

• Moisturise your hands and feet frequently, including after washing, to repair the skin barrier.
• Keep hands cool and dry; pat dry thoroughly between the fingers.
• Wear cotton-lined gloves for wet work such as washing up, and avoid harsh soaps and detergents.
• Choose breathable footwear and change damp socks promptly to reduce sweating.
• Resist scratching or popping blisters, which can lead to infection and slower healing.
• If nickel sets off your flares, try to avoid prolonged skin contact with nickel-containing items.

What to expect at the appointment

A doctor or dermatologist can usually recognise dyshidrotic eczema from the appearance and pattern of the blisters and your history of flares. A skin scraping may be taken to rule out a fungal infection, which can look similar, and patch testing may be arranged if flares keep recurring and a contact allergy such as nickel is suspected. For recurrent or severe cases, a dermatologist can offer stronger or longer-term treatments such as calcineurin inhibitors or phototherapy.

Common questions

Is dyshidrotic eczema contagious?

No. You cannot catch it from, or pass it to, another person, and it is not caused by poor hygiene.

Will it keep coming back?

It can run a relapsing course over months, but identifying and avoiding your triggers, together with regular moisturising and prescribed treatment, usually reduces how often and how severely it flares.

Related guides

• Best Dermatology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
• dermatology clinics directory
• Athlete's foot
• Skin allergy
• Blepharoplasty
• Meniere's disease
• Deviated septum

Sources

• NHS – Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema)
• HealthHub Singapore – Eczema
• Mayo Clinic – Dyshidrosis
• SingHealth – Eczema

Last updated 23 June 2026. Prices are typical market ranges gathered from the cited sources and vary by clinic, doctor and individual case — they are not quotes. This guide is general information, not medical advice; always consult a qualified, MOH-accredited doctor before any treatment.

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