This condition goes by several different names - dyshidrotic eczema, dyshidrotic dermatitis, and pompholyx. The word dyshidrotic is used because it is felt that this condition is related to sweat glands, but this dyshidrotic eczema, dyshidrotic dermatitis, pompholyx has not been proven. The name pompholyx comes from the Greek word for bubble, which more accurately describes the vesicles associated with this disorder.

Dishydrotic eczema can have a host of causes, some obvious allergens and others not so much. Obvious allergens like animal dander, soaps, laundry detergents and perfumes. It can also be triggered by some not so obvious substances such as food, chemicals and even some metals like that in costume jewelry. Foods that can cause eczema include strawberries, nuts, seafood, eggs and wheat. Emotional stress can make dyshidrotic dermatitis worse, but does not cause it. Ingestion of allergens such as chromate, neomycin, quinoline, or nickel may cause some cases.
Many 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.

The rash of dyshidrotic dermatitis occurs on the hands and feet. The majority of cases involve the palms and sides of the fingers, but the soles of the feet can also be involved. The rash looks like crops of clear, deep-seated, tapioca-like vesicles and is very itchy. The vesicles resolve in 3 to 4 weeks and are replaced by 1- to 3-mm rings of scale. The disease is said to be self limiting and only lasts for a few weeks on average.

As there is no actual cure available for dishydrotic eczema, the main aim is to treat it in order to reduce the discomfort and the inflammation caused and slow down the rate of cell division. There are many treatments available such as steroid creams, ointments, cortisone, etc, but they should be taken only under a doctor's prescription. If the infection is caused due to bacteria then there are antibiotics and prescribed drugs that will help to prevent itching.