Acute and recurrent vesicular hand dermatitis

Abstract

Acute and recurrent vesicular hand dermatitis is a subtype of hand eczema. This term covers dyshidrotic hand dermatitis (eczema) and pompholyx, terms that should be abandoned. The disease is characterized by eruptive, vesicular dermatitis reactions that affect the palms, the palmar and lateral aspects of the fingers, and the periungual area. The vesicles or bullous lesions can be large and deep-seated. Causes and aggravating factors include emotional stress, hyperhidrosis, weather changes, atopy, mycosis, irritants, contact allergens, and systemic exposure to metals, drugs, and food. However, the cause is often unknown. Treatment includes primarily removal of causative exposures as well as topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and in some cases systemic treatment.