Blisters on Toes and Sides of Feet

[rmchiramel]

Hi, I have been having painful/itchy blisters that show up inbetween my toes, on the sides of my toes and on both sides of my feet.  They are filled with clear odoress oil-like liquid which doesn't seem to be infectious.  If I pop them they get itchier and usually the area starts to hurt.  

If I leave them, they usually eventually dissapate leaving a scale that comes off. All around the area where the blister was then usually starts the same proccess over again.  I have a similar problem on my hands only it never get's to the point of blistering.  On both my hands and feet the area where the itching/blister continues to peel and eventually the perimeter will turn into another blister or itchy bumps.

I have had eczema since puberty but it has been under control for at least 7 years now.  My reg MD said that it was another form of eczema called dyshidrosis but nothing I've seen or read about dyshidrosis fits my symptoms.  I do suspect that it may systemic because I had not had an outbreak in several months.  Then, recently I was on antibiotics for a UTI and since finishing the course the blisters have come back.  I also notice that my feet swell when it gets really bad.

[rmchiramel]

Dr. Kaur, you are the second doctor to give me that diagnosis so I guess I should try your suggested therepy and see if it helps.  Even though I searched the internet and most of the pictures and descriptions of pompholyx/dishydrosis do not look like my outbreaks.

I currently have a really painful blister that spans between my big toe and my second too.  Its making wearing shoes very uncomfortable.  I happen to have just bought some calamine lotion for mosquito bites but I will try it on the blister and see if it helps.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are due to pompholyx. The exact cause is not known and excessive sweating can be one of the reasons. But some triggers like allergic reaction to soaps, detergents, foods, latex, nickel etc may trigger the symptoms. Apply some calamine lotion on the affected area and keep the area well moisturized. Use only thin applications of moisturizer ointments as excessive amounts of ointment may restrict breathing of the skin and aggravate the condition.

Topical steroids can be applied but they are available under prescription. Moreover to prevent infection, topical antibiotics may be needed. I suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[rmchiramel]

Thanks, but I guess I should've mentioned that my reg md checked for Athletes foot and it is not that.  Plus, when they first started showing up ((its been about 4 years), I thought that and tried using athletes foot cream to no avail.  

Using hydrocortisone seems to help the blisters to dry up faster but it doesn't prevent more from showing up.

[BeeFree]

This sounds to me like althletes foot, or warts. I used to have this and my symptoms were exactly as you described. It is common and easy to fix, just takes a little extra cleansing with an antibacterial soap, followed by aloe vera gel or lotion. (Make sure it is real aloe vera, not an immitation brand with additives.) Do not itch. Get in the habit of doing this after you shower and you should have your outbreaks under control in no time.