If you’re being bothered by small, incredibly itchy blisters on your hands and feet, there’s a good chance that you have dyshidrotic eczema. It is a common form of eczema that usually appears on the sides of your fingers, hands, and feet, in between toes and soles. Here are a few important things you should know about dyshidrotic eczema, plus what to do if you suspect you have it.

Who’s most likely to get it

Dyshidrotic eczema happens when your skin can’t protect itself as well as it should. It gets itchy and dry and worse, it erupts into tiny blisters. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are a few things that can raise your risk of developing the condition:

• Being between 20 and 40 years old
• Having atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or hay fever
• A family history of dyshidrotic eczema
• Having sweaty or moist hands
• Wetting your hands throughout the day for work
• Working with cement
• Working with metals like chromium, cobalt, or nickel

How can I tell it apart from a normal blister?

Blisters from dyshidrotic eczema have been described as fluid-filled bumps that look like tapioca pudding. They are usually small and grow closer together and sometimes, eventually become larger blisters. When they dry out, they can leave behind scaly skin and bubble up again before your skin is even fully healed. To get a proper diagnosis, you’ll need to see a dermatologist. If your dyshidrotic eczema is flaring or in the process of healing, the doctor can diagnose it just by looking at your skin.

Is there a treatment for this?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for dyshidrotic eczema. But it is treatable. The best thing to do is to first identify your triggers and then avoid them. Take measures such as wearing protective gloves when you’re going to do certain things that would require you to wet your hands such as washing the dishes or manually washing clothes. When it comes to treatment, there are corticosteroid pills or creams against inflammation and anti-itch drugs or lotions, as well as wet compresses to soothe your skin. With severe cases, doctors also prescribe a monitored and controlled use of ultraviolet therapy to reduce inflammation, as well as Botox therapy.

If things aren’t getting any better, it is really best to see your doctor and consult for about a treatment plan that would work best for you.