What are the symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema?

Dyshidrotic eczema is a distinct subtype of eczema, also known as dyshidrosis. It predominantly affects areas with abundant sweat glands and high sweat production—particularly the palms, soles, flexural surfaces of fingers and toes, interdigital spaces, and fingertips—and typically occurs during spring and summer. It often resolves spontaneously in winter and is most common among adolescents. The characteristic skin lesions are deep-seated, small vesicles—ranging in size from pinhead to millet grain—diffusely distributed across the palms, soles, finger/toe flexures, interdigital areas, and fingertips. These vesicles possess thick walls and contain clear fluid. Patients commonly experience pruritus or a burning pain. Lesions typically appear in clusters, though scattered vesicles may also occur. Affected individuals frequently exhibit excessive sweating of the hands and feet, without overt signs of inflammation. The vesicles rarely rupture; instead, they gradually resolve over 2–3 weeks via absorption and desiccation, followed by scaling and shedding of the superficial epidermis, revealing tender, erythematous, newly exposed skin that may be painful. The disease course generally lasts several weeks to months, resolving spontaneously but with a strong tendency toward recurrence—often manifesting as annual, periodic flare-ups.