There are many skin conditions that can cause abnormals growths or blisters on the skin. Warts are among the most common of these conditions. Warts are caused by the HPV virus. Another common condition is eczema. Pompholyx is a form of eczema that causes blistesr on the hands and fingers. Each of these problematic skin conditions can be an annoyance. Let’s see what makes them so different.
Important Facts About Pompholyx
1. Overview
Pompholyx, also known as dyshidrosis, is a skin condition that effects the hands. This condition is a form of eczema that causes itching and tiny blisters to form. It is fairly rare and only affects 1 out of 20 people who already have eczema on their hands.
2. Symptoms
The most obvious symptoms of pompholyx are tiny, fluid filled blisters that appear on the the palms and sides of the fingers. The soles of the feet are also affected in some rare cases. These blisters typically appear in small clusters but can also form together to create larger blisters. Intense itchiness is also a symptom of pompholyx. This blisters can take weeks to heal and often reoccur before healing completely.
3. Causes
The exact cause of pompholyx is unknown but it is associated with eczema. Allergic conditions may trigger a person to develop pompholyx as well as another similar condition of the skin known as atopic dermatitis. Having very sensitive skin, being exposed to certain types of metals, and an elevated level of stress have all also been thought to be contributing factors to developing pompholyx.
4. Treatment
Most cases of pompholyx can be diagnosed with a simple physical exam, this is because of the characteristic blisters that are associated. Once your doctor has diagnosed you some treatments are available, however there is no cure. Topical ointments to help reduce itching are often prescribed. Corticosteroids, which are a high potency steroid cream, may help to speed up the healing of the blisters. In some severe cases Botulinum toxin injections may be used. This form of treatment has not been generally accepted just yet.
Information About Warts
1. Basics
A wart is an abnormal growth on the skin. They most commonly occur on the hands, these are called palmer warts. Warts are caused by a virus and there are as many as ten different varieties. Common warts are considered to be harmless.
2. Symptoms
Normal Palmer warts are typically very small in size, about a pencil eraser, however some can grow larger. They also tend to develop in clusters on the skin, these warts are called mosaic warts. They often resemble a solid blister. They normally come with no other symptoms other than the presence of the wart.
3. Causes
Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV. More specifically, Palmer warts are caused by the most common form of HPV which is HPV type 1. Warts are also very contagious and can be spread from person to person by contact. This is often how warts are contracted. Even if you come in contact with a wart producing virus, it may take months for a wart to appear.
4. Treatment
Many warts clear up on their own within a year, but treatment options in order to speed up the healing process or even remove the wart completely are available. One of the most common is to freeze the wart off. This can be done at a doctors office but at home kits are also available. Sailcylic-acid is also an effective treatment for the removal of warts, the acid dissolves the keratin, which is the protein that makes up most of the wart.
Differences Between Pompholyx and Warts
1. Cause
A large difference between pompholyx and warts is what causes them to develop. Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus or HPV, and are very contagious. Pompholyx is a rare form of eczema that is a chronic skin condition. This condition is not contagious.
2. Symptoms
Another key difference between these two skin conditions are what they cause. Warts are solid masses on the skin, that normally cause no pain. Pompholyx are tiny fluid filled blisters that can burst. These also come with intense itching and skin irritation.
3. Treatment
Warts are very easily treatable, even at home. Freezing is the most common way to remove warts from the hands. Pompholyx are not curable so the only treatments available are to help manage symptoms. Some topical ointments are available to help heal the blisters that form.