Pompholyx

This describes a vesicular pattern of eczema affecting the skin of the hands - cheiropompholyx - and occasionally, the feet - cheiropodopompholyx. There may be a history of allergic contact dermatitis, especially to nickel. In other cases, no specific allergen can be identified but the problem may be aggravated by sweating. The majority have no history of atopy. The condition may occur secondary to fungal infection.

This may be a recurring problem. Studies report an association between the so-called allergic contact pompholyx and cosmetic and hygienic products (1).

Although the condition is also known as dyshidrotic eczema, no sweat gland abnormality is seen in these patients (2). A locus on chromosome 18 has been identified for a rare form of autosomal dominant pompholyx (3).

Click here for example image of pompholyx eczema

Reference:

• (1) Guillet MH et al. A 3-year causative study of pompholyx in 120 patients. Arch Dermatol.2007;143(12):1504-1508
• (2) Dinulos JG, Zembovicz A. Case 32-2008 - A 10-Year-Old Girl with Recurrent Oral Lesions and Cutaneous Bullae. N Engl J Med 2008;359:1718-1724
• (3) Coenraads P. Hand eczema is common and multifactorial. J invest dermatol.2007;127:1568-1570