using the dyshidrotic eczema area and severity index (DASI). The DASI has been designed for clinical trials and is not typically used in practice. Treatment There are many treatments available for dyshidrosis. However, few of them have been developed or tested specifically on the condition. Barriers to moisture and irritants, including barrier creams and gloves. Topical steroids – while useful, can be dangerous long-term due to the skin-thinning side-effects, which are particularly troublesome in the context of hand dyshidrosis, due to the amount of toxins and bacteria the hands typically come in contact with. Potassium permanganate dilute solution soaks – also popular, and used to 'dry out' the vesicles, and kill off superficial Staphylococcus aureus, but it can also be very painful. Undiluted it may cause significant burning. Dapsone (diamino-diphenyl sulfone), an antibacterial, has been recommended for the treatment of dyshidrosis in some chronic cases. Antihistamines: Fexofenadine up to 180 mg per day. Alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid) has been approved for prescription in the UK. It is specifically used for chronic hand and foot eczema. It is made by Basilea of Switzerland (BAL 4079). Systemic steroids can be taken orally to treat especially acute and severe cases of dyshidrosis. Epidemiology About 1 in 2,000 people are affected in Sweden. Males and females appear to be affected equally. Synonyms Dyshidrosis is also known as pompholyx, a term originating from the Greek word for "bubble". See also Dermatitis herpetiformis – a similar condition caused by celiac and often mistaken for dyshidrosis. Epidermolysis bullosa – a genetic disorder that causes similar, albeit more severe, symptoms to those of dyshidrosis. References External links Pompholyx at DermNet NZ (New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated) Eczema Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate Wikipedia emergency medicine articles ready to translate