Blisters between toes; children and parent

[johneasdale]

My children have had recurring blisters between their toes for the last several months.  We've been to several dermatologists but no one can explain what these are.  They are not itchy and they tend to get better and worse over the course of several weeks.  Also, they start as pinhead sized blisters that can grow to involve the entire toe (or multiple small blisters that grow together).  Lamasil seemed to help after the initial outbreak, but does nothing now.  Cultures have come back negative.

We're concerned that this is athlete's foot/a fungus that will get into their nails, but so far the dermatologists have said this isn't presenting like tinea pedis.  We were starting to believe this until my wife developed the same blisters on her feet.

Any information is appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Dyshidrotic eczema is also called 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.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[johneasdale]

We've seen several doctors and none have thought that this is tinea, which suprised my wife and I.  If it is dyshidrotic eczema, what is the normal treatment?  Does the condition go away with age?  Does it present in any other way?

Thanks for your quick response.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From the symptoms the first possibility is of course of tinea pedis. Tinea pedis may present in several ways, varying from mild chronic scaling to acute lesions that are exfoliative, pustular, or bullous. The second possibility is of dyshidrotic eczema. The first stage is acute and presents as itchy blisters on the hands, fingers and toes. Then the chronic stage shows more peeling, cracking, or crusting. The third possibility is of contact dermatitis.

I suggest you to get an examination done from a physician and get the diagnosis confirmed as treatment is diagnosis specific.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.