Blisters on the hands and feet are extremely common. I receive at least one request for a dermatology consultation everyday for advice regarding skin blisters. Friction and trauma obviously play an important role. However, the commonest reason for people seeking an online dermatologist consultation is a type of eczema called pompholyx eczema. This is usually related to irritants and allergens (various chemicals we come in contact with, in day-to-day life). This is often associated with a rash on the hands.

Treatment involves identifying (by patch testing) and eliminating the cause and treating the inflammation with a combination of steroid and emollient creams. In resistant cases, oral steroids, phototherapy or newer treatments like Alitretinoin can be quite useful.

However a number of conditions like Fungal infections (Tinea), Bullous pemphigoid, Herpes (cold sore), etc can also cause blistering and therefore it is important to see a specialist before starting treatment.

Do you suffer from skin blisters? Click here to see how an online skin consultation might help you.