Dyshidrotic Eczema vs Palmoplantar Psoriasis

Recurrent itchy small deep blisters on the palms, sides of fingers or soles. Psoriasis affecting the palms or soles, where thick scale and cracking can be disabling.

Research updated 2026-10-23

AI-generated educational illustration: Thick sharply defined scaly plaques across the palm and fingers, representing palmoplantar psoriasis.

Key differences What is it?What it looks like Diagrams When it starts Triggers Daily Care Treatment Outlook Complications When to get help Questions

Key differences

The same eight facts on every condition comparison.

Usual age

Young adults

Adults

Where

Palms, sides of fingers, soles

Palms and soles

Main sign

Tiny deep itchy blisters

Thick scale and cracks

Itch or pain

Very itchy

Painful cracks

Contagious

Long term

Recurs in flares

Long-term, flares

Scars

Who gets it

People with eczema, sweaty hands

People with psoriasis; smokers

What is it?

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Palmoplantar Psoriasis

What is it?

What it is
Recurrent itchy small deep blisters on the palms, sides of fingers or soles.

What it is
Psoriasis affecting the palms or soles, where thick scale and cracking can be disabling.

What it looks like

Dyshidrotic Eczema

The side of a finger with clusters of tiny pale translucent bumps and dry skin.

Dyshidrotic Eczema Closely grouped small blisters sit on the side of the finger.

Palmoplantar Psoriasis

An open hand with broad pink plaques, thick white scale, and surface cracks.

Palmoplantar Psoriasis Red patches and heavy scale cover much of the palm and parts of the fingers.

Skin tones

In the skin

Eczema-related inflammation produces small blisters within the outer skin of the hands or feet. Despite the name, blocked sweat glands do not cause this condition.

Immune inflammation speeds skin-cell production on the palms or soles. Cells accumulate in thickened patches that may develop scale or cracks.

When it usually starts

010203040506070+

Dyshidrotic Eczema. Often occurs in younger adults but is possible at other ages.

Palmoplantar Psoriasis. Can start at any age, with different patterns at different life stages.

Causes and triggers

Causes

An inflammatory eczema pattern; despite the name it is not caused by blocked sweat glands.

Immune inflammation speeds skin-cell turnover; psoriasis is not contagious.

Risk factors

Eczema tendency, Contact allergy

Family tendency, Immune susceptibility

Trigger

● Dyshidrotic Eczema

● Palmoplantar Psoriasis

Heat and sweating

Can contribute

Not listed

Irritants

Can contribute

Not listed

Friction

Not listed

Can contribute

Skin injury

Not listed

Can contribute

Daily Care

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Palmoplantar Psoriasis

Daily care

Habits that help

Apply fragrance-free moisturizer often and after washing
Use a plain cream or ointment that does not sting.
Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser
Pat dry gently and keep necessary hand hygiene without unnecessary repeated washing.
Protect skin during wet work and cleaning
Use suitable protective gloves; cotton liners and breaks help prevent trapped sweat.
Use a cool damp compress for short-term itch relief
Keep nails short and protect sore skin from rubbing.
Change damp socks and let hands cool inside gloves
Heat, sweat and prolonged moisture may worsen blisters; use your prescribed flare plan.

Avoid

Avoid: Fragrance, harsh detergents and known triggers
Read labels rather than assuming a natural or unscented product is safe.
Avoid: Picking, scratching or deliberately popping blisters
Broken skin increases pain and infection risk.

Habits that help

Moisturize regularly with a plain fragrance-free product
Apply after washing and when skin feels dry or tight.
Keep washing gentle and water lukewarm
Use a non-soap cleanser and pat dry rather than rubbing.
Protect sore skin from friction and minor injury
Comfortable clothing and gentle handling reduce avoidable irritation.
Keep a manageable record of flares and symptoms
Note new medicines, infections or joint symptoms to discuss at review.
Protect painful cracks and reduce pressure on palms and soles
Use suitable dressings, cushioned footwear and task-appropriate gloves; do not cut thick scale with a blade.
Follow the palmoplantar psoriasis care plan
Use thick emollient, protect fissures and reduce repeated friction. Treatment must account for thick skin.

Avoid

Avoid: Picking scale or scratching plaques
Injury can worsen psoriasis and create breaks in the skin.
Avoid: Unsupervised tanning or harsh home exfoliation
Sunburn and irritation can trigger worsening; prescribed phototherapy is different from tanning.

Treatment differences

Evidence labels come from each condition’s own treatment list.

Treatment

● Dyshidrotic Eczema

● Palmoplantar Psoriasis

Over-the-counter

None listed

Urea moisturizer

Listed

Can soften thick dry scale; avoid irritating open fissures.

Prescription topicals

Site-appropriate topical corticosteroid

Listed

Treats active eczema for a clinician-directed course; strength depends on site and age.

Potent topical corticosteroid

Listed

Thick palm or sole psoriasis may need a carefully supervised course and escalation if function is impaired.

Outlook

Long term

Blisters often settle over a few weeks and are followed by peeling. Episodes can recur, so treatment and prevention need to address the individual's pattern and possible contributors.

Palm and sole psoriasis can be persistent and may flare again after improvement. Treatment aims to reduce thickening, cracks and pain while preserving hand and foot function.