Print DiagnosisTo diagnosis dyshidrosis, your doctor will likely talk with you about your medical history and look at the affected skin. You might need other tests to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of dyshidrosis. For example, a scraping of the skin can be tested for the type of fungus that causes athlete's foot. Or you might have a patch test. With this test, the skin is exposed to a small amount of suspected allergen and watched for a reaction.More InformationAllergy skin tests TreatmentDyshidrosis treatment might involve: Corticosteroids. Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream or ointment to help clear up the blisters. Covering the treated area in plastic wrap or a moist bandage helps the skin absorb the medicine. Long-term use of steroids can cause side effects, such as spider veins and thinning of skin. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a brief course of oral steroids, such as prednisone, as a bridge to other treatments. Phototherapy. If other treatments aren't effective, your doctor may recommend light therapy. In this treatment, a UV light called narrowband UVB is directed at the affected skin. Immune-suppressing ointments. The calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (Protopic) may be helpful for people who want to limit their exposure to steroids. Do not combine this treatment with phototherapy. Controlling sweating. Heavy sweating of the palms and soles may contribute to dyshidrosis. Your doctor might suggest anti-perspirants or injection with botulinum toxin A. This treatment may help reduce sweating and improve the skin. More InformationBotox injectionsPhotodynamic therapy Request an appointment There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. 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Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Lifestyle and home remediesHome treatment might include: Applying a moist cloth. A wet, cool cloth may help reduce itching. Taking anti-itch drugs. Antihistamine medicine that you can get at a store without a prescription may help relieve itching. Examples are diphenhydramine and loratadine (Alavert, Claritin). Preparing for your appointmentYou're likely to start by seeing your primary care provider. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can doBefore your appointment, list answers to the following questions: Have you experienced this problem in the past? Do you have an allergy, such as to rubber, glue, fragrances or nickel? Have you been under extra stress lately? What medicines and supplements do you take? Are you exposed to certain metals or chemicals at work or during other activities? What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as: When did you first notice your symptoms? Are your symptoms present all the time or only once in a while? How severe are your symptoms? What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms? What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms? By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Symptoms & causes June 27, 2023 Print Show references Soutor C, et al., eds. Dyshidrotic dermatitis. In: Clinical Dermatology: Diagnosis and Management of Common Disorders. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Feb. 2, 2023. Bolognia JL, et al. Other eczematous eruptions. In: Dermatology Essentials. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 2, 2023. Kelly AP, et al., eds. Atopic dermatitis and other eczemas. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Feb. 2, 2023. Lebwohl MG, et al. Hand and foot eczema (endogenous, dyshidrotic eczema, pompholyx). In: Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 2, 2023. Sasseville D. Acute palmoplantar eczema (dyshidrotic eczema). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 2, 2023. Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema self-care. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/dyshidrotic-eczema/self-care. Accessed Feb. 27, 2023. Sominidi Damodaran S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Feb. 27, 2023. 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There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email Address 1 ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry