No matter how long you’ve been living with lupus, you’re likely surprised when new symptoms arrive. For some MyLupusTeam members, that means dealing with dyshidrotic eczema — a rash that can cause small blisters or bubbles to form on their hands and feet.

Known as pompholyx, foot-and-hand eczema, or palmoplantar eczema, dyshidrotic eczema can lead to itching, peeling, burning, and a rash where the blisters form. Because this type of rash isn’t among the common lupus skin symptoms, some people are confused when it occurs.

“A bumpy, itchy rash comes and goes on my hands due to stress or extreme fatigue, but it’s almost constant on my feet,” one member wrote.

“Many people here get this,” another member said. “The sun triggers it for some, contact allergies or stress triggers it for others. Google pompholyx, also known as ‘dyshidrotic eczema.’”

If you’re living with rashes on your hands or feet, you may wonder if it’s related to lupus. Find out whether there’s a connection between the two conditions and what you can do about dyshidrotic eczema.

What Is Dyshidrotic Eczema?

Dyshidrotic eczema typically starts with just a few small blisters on the hands or feet and can then spread, with more blisters that look like small hives. The lesions can be irritating, painful, and itchy and usually persist for two or three weeks. After the itchy blisters clear up, some people never have a flare again, while others may see the symptoms come and go for years.

Dyshidrotic eczema is believed to be a chronic inflammatory condition with many possible triggers, although its cause isn’t completely understood. It doesn’t affect your life span, but it can interfere with quality of life.

What’s the Link With Lupus?

Dyshidrotic eczema is not considered a symptom of lupus, and research is limited regarding the reason this skin condition flares up in people with lupus. However, some lupus triggers overlap with dyshidrotic eczema triggers.

Heat and Sun Exposure

People with lupus often experience skin sensitivity, which can get worse when facing certain triggers, like sun exposure and high temperatures. For a lot of people with lupus, the heat can trigger serious and painful flares.

Dyshidrotic eczema is also aggravated by high temperatures and sweating. People with overactive sweat glands and those who spend a lot of time in the heat are more likely to develop dyshidrotic eczema.

Even if lupus isn’t the direct cause of your eczema symptoms, it’s possible that both conditions tend to flare up in warmer temperatures. If this is the case for you, try to avoid being in the heat. If you have to go outside when it’s hot, avoid overheating by using a portable or hand-held fan, wearing a cooling vest or a hat, or carrying an umbrella.

Stress

For many people with lupus, stress can trigger symptoms and occur before flares. “Stress is the major cause of my flares,” one MyLupusTeam member wrote. “But it’s hard to stop stressing when I’m feeling awful.”

Stress is also a known trigger for dyshidrotic eczema, and people who get frequent pompholyx flares are advised to try stress-reduction techniques to stave off symptoms.

Stress management is an important part of living with lupus, with some providers suggesting mindfulness meditation to help ease lupus symptoms. If you’re able to shed some of the obvious stresses in your life, you may find that the symptoms of both conditions get better.

Environmental Triggers

Both lupus and dyshidrotic eczema can flare due to environmental triggers. These may differ from one person to the next, but the irritant that causes your symptoms to flare may be a type of soap or detergent, a certain metal, or cigarette smoke, among others.

If you aren’t sure what causes your lupus or your skin symptoms to flare, it may be a good idea to keep a symptom journal. Write down what you ate, where you were, and what you most recently did prior to a flare of either condition. Then you can work with your provider to narrow down what may be triggering your symptoms and get medical advice to help address any issues you identify together.

Talk With Your Doctor

Your rheumatologist can refer you to a dermatologist for a more detailed evaluation of your skin. In rare cases, people with lupus develop bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE), another skin condition that causes blistering and is often misdiagnosed as other skin diseases. A dermatologist can help make a definitive diagnosis so you know if you’re dealing with dyshidrotic eczema, BLSE, or something else.

If you’ve been diagnosed with dyshidrotic eczema, a dermatology professional may offer you tips on skin care and symptom management. In severe cases, they may prescribe topical steroids, an oral corticosteroid, or another medication to help ease your symptoms. If you’re diagnosed with BLSE, you may be given the oral medication dapsone. By working with your doctor, you can find the best treatment for your rash and achieve a better quality of life.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 223,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Have you experienced dyshidrotic eczema symptoms while living with lupus? What tips do you have for avoiding or addressing symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.