Pompholyx is an old name for vesicular eczema (see DERMATITIS) on the palms and ?ngers (cheiropompholyx) or soles of the feet (podopompholyx).
(acute vesicular eczema of the hands) n. a type of blistering *eczema affecting the palms and fingers. The thickness of the skin in these areas prevents the pinhead vesicles from breaking and eventually the skin peels after a period of intense itching. See pompholyx.
n. *eczema of the hands (see also cheiropompholyx) and feet (podopompholyx). Because the horny layer of the skin in these parts is so thick, the vesicles typical of eczema cannot rupture; they therefore persist in the skin, looking like sago grains. There is intense itching until the skin eventually peels. There may be secondary infection due to scratching. Pompholyx is commonest in early adulthood and attacks occur suddenly, lasting some weeks. The disease may be recurrent or persist as a chronic condition.... pompholyx
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