Blistering eczema on the feet: what can you do about it?

In HLN, a woman describes the itchy blisters that appear on her feet every summer. Dr Griet Voet explains that this is acrovesicular eczema, also known as blistering eczema: small, intensely itchy blisters on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands, mainly in adults.

Heat and sweating, smoking, a tendency towards atopic eczema, contact allergy or a fungal infection can play a role, although the exact cause often remains unclear. Flare-ups often clear up on their own after a few weeks, but can come back.

Treatment depends on the trigger: cortisone cream, light therapy, avoiding an allergen, antifungal treatment or tackling excessive sweating. If the symptoms persist, a visit to the dermatologist is advisable.

• If the symptoms persist, have them checked by a dermatologist.

• If a contact allergy is the cause, avoid the substance you react to.

• Tackle excessive sweating, as heat and sweat trigger flare-ups.

• Stopping smoking is always recommended.

Want to know more? Read about Allergies and eczema at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.