Causes of Pompholyx
Nobody really knows for sure what causes Pompholyx (dyshidrotic dermatitis).
People who have dyshidrotic dermatitis are genetically predisposed to it. Some people with atopic dermatitis also have dyshidrotic dermatitis, which may mean that dyshidrotic dermatitis is just a form of atopic dermatitis on the hands and feet.
Pompholyx is a long-term problem, and may recur throughout life.
Emotional stress can make dyshidrotic dermatitis worse, but does not cause it. General stress, being "run down" or grief may also be a contributing factor in the development of the disease.
Pompholyx may occur due to infection at a distant site e.g. the feet or scalp.
Pompholyx does not appear to be directly linked to diet, though some foods may aggravate the condition. Ingestion of allergens such as chromate, neomycin, quinoline, or nickel may cause some cases.
The use of some detergents in washing dishes or clothes can also cause the disease.
The vesicles produce intense itching. Scratching leads to skin changes with thickening. Scratching may also lead to secondary infections.
Pompholyx infection with staphylococcal bacteria is not infrequent. That result is pain, redness, swelling and crusting or pustules.
Aggravating factors
Many sufferers note that Pompholyx flares up when the weather changes from the cooler Spring to the warmer Summer. Originally it was associated with sweating, but it may be the change in temperature - which also causes the sweating - which is responsible for the onset of Pompholyx.
As in other forms of hand dermatitis, pompholyx is aggravated by contact with irritants such as water, detergents and solvents. Contact with them must be avoided as much as possible and protective gloves worn to prevent additional irritant contact dermatitis.
Some people with pompholyx are found to be allergic to nickel, a common metal. Nickel allergy can be detected by patch testing. These patients must try not to touch nickel items.
Pompholyx often runs a chronic course, but may go away for long periods. It often reappears after a period of nervous tension, worry or stress. Unfortunately pompholyx does not have any quick sure cure.
As in other forms of hand dermatitis, pompholyx is aggravated by contact with irritants such as water, detergents and solvents. Contact with them must be avoided as much as possible and protective gloves worn to prevent additional irritant contact dermatitis.
Some people with pompholyx are found to be allergic to nickel, a common metal. Nickel allergy can be detected by patch testing. These patients must try not to touch nickel items.
Pompholyx often runs a chronic course, but may go away for long periods. It often reappears after a period of nervous tension, worry or stress. Unfortunately pompholyx does not have any quick sure cure.
Find out more
This site provides you with some basic information about Pompholyx and the issues that arise from living with the ailment. If you want to do more research or if you want to know about treatments for Pompholyx and eczema we recommend searchig on Google.
2012