Eczema Blisters: How to Help Prevent and Treat Them

Eczema Blisters: How to Help Prevent and Treat Them
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Updated on July 15, 2025
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When you have eczema, red, inflamed patches of skin that itch intensely are common. But you might also sometimes have to contend with another type of outbreak — eczema blisters, which can cause additional discomfort.

Eczema is the umbrella term for a group of inflammatory skin conditions that can cause dry skin, itchiness, rashes, skin infections, and blisters.

 It is very common: More than 31 million Americans have some form of eczema.

While blisters may be common with eczema, blisters do not automatically indicate that you have the skin condition. Eczema blisters form after an allergic reaction, in response to an environmental irritant, or from an infection.

Types of Eczema Commonly Associated With Blisters

Blisters occur in response to inflamed or damaged skin, explains Peter Lio, MD, a dermatologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. They are essentially skin bubbles filled with fluid.

“This fluid, referred to as serous fluid, is ultimately a blood filtration product and is similar to when there is swelling in an area such as a swollen ankle after a sprain,” he says. “In the skin, the fluid can be very concentrated around blood vessels and can be superficial enough to cause tiny blisters rather than just swelling of an area.”

Once an eczema blister forms, it takes time for the body to reabsorb this fluid, which usually happens through the lymphatic system, Dr. Lio says. “Sometimes, however, they are very tense and superficial and simply rupture, releasing the fluid outside of the skin and then needing [time] to heal,” he says.

Eczema blisters are associated with multiple types of eczema, and they can show up differently depending on the cause.

Dyshidrotic Eczema

This form of eczema — also called pompholyx, palmoplantar eczema, and vesicular eczema — is seen on the hands and feet, and is more common in women.

 Usually, small deep blisters, called vesicles, form on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sides of the fingers. The blisters are extremely itchy and cause scaly skin patches that peel as the bumps heal. As a result, dry skin and painful fissures can form.
Common triggers for dyshidrotic eczema include stress, seasonal allergies, or humid weather that makes the palms sweat, says Evan Rieder, MD, a dermatologist practicing in New York City. Metals, especially nickel, as well as jobs that require the hands to get wet frequently, such as hairstyling, can also trigger the rash and accompanying blisters.

First-line eczema treatments for dyshidrotic eczema include cool compresses and corticosteroid creams or ointments.

 “Usually we do need to use a more powerful topical corticosteroid, because the skin on the hands and feet — where we usually find this type of eczema — is very thick and can impede penetration of the medications,” Lio says.

“We often use soaks such as Burow’s solution to help soothe and dry out the blisters, and then have the patients apply the topical corticosteroid twice daily to the area,” he adds.

You or your dermatologist can gently drain larger blisters with a sterile needle to relieve pain.

 Be careful, however, to make only a small tear in the skin to allow the release of fluid, leaving the “roof” of the blister intact, for faster healing and lower chances of infection. Other medications, like antihistamines, may be prescribed to relieve itchiness, especially at night.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

If you’ve ever brushed up against poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac and broken out in a blistery, itchy rash, you’ve experienced allergic contact dermatitis.

 Usually, people develop small lines of eczema blisters where leaves have rubbed against them, a day or two after the skin is exposed.

 Other common culprits are metals (especially nickel) and fragrances, which can cause a reaction when inhaled or applied to the skin.

 These blisters may break open and leak fluid, then form a crust.

Treatment for eczema due to allergens involves washing the skin with a gentle cleanser to remove any trace of the substance that is irritating you.

 Also, try to avoid anything that you know causes a rash or eczema blisters to break out.
The best treatment for allergic contact dermatitis is simply avoiding the trigger.

 But with itchy, painful reactions, doctors may recommend over-the-counter or prescription steroid creams or oral steroids, plus topical or oral antihistamines to reduce inflammation and other symptoms. In some cases, applying ice or a wet compress can help as well.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Acids, solvents, harsh soaps, or detergents can aggravate the skin and cause irritant contact dermatitis.

 Irritant contact dermatitis is treated the same way as allergic contact dermatitis.
As for prevention, Lio notes that even washing your hands frequently can lead to irritant contact dermatitis. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was an incredibly common complaint in our office,” he says. The reaction usually resembles a burn, but eczema blisters may also pop up almost immediately, especially if the irritant is strong. The rash is typically more painful than itchy.

As with allergic contact dermatitis, try to avoid any known irritants to help prevent eczema blisters.

 Also, use lukewarm water and moisturize after washing your hands to help reduce potential discomfort.

When Infections Cause Eczema Blisters

People with eczema are more prone to infections because burst blisters or damaged, raw skin can be a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, or viruses, says Amy Kassouf, MD, a dermatologist with the Cleveland Clinic in Twinsburg, Ohio.

One particularly dangerous infection, eczema herpeticum, happens mostly in people with atopic dermatitis when a herpes simplex virus (HSV) — usually HSV-1, the virus that causes cold sores and some cases of genital herpes — is reactivated in the body or skin contact occurs.

 Fluid-filled eczema blisters break out and can be very itchy and painful. The infection spreads fast, leading to fever and flu-like symptoms, and the fluid inside the blisters can turn to pus.

If the infection is untreated or is severe, it can eventually affect vital organs and ultimately lead to death, although that’s rare.

 Treatment for eczema herpeticum consists of antiviral medications and medications for pain as needed. Complications of eczema herpeticum can include a condition known as herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, which can lead to blindness.
Infections from the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (staph) can also cause pus-filled blisters and honey-colored crusting over the skin.

 Treatment of a staph infection includes antibiotics and cleaning out blisters or wounds.

Signs an eczema blister has become infected include “red color, warmth to the touch, whitish liquid drainage, and swelling,” Dr. Rieder says.

Furthermore, “if the blister is large or painful or spreading, or you see redness and swelling underneath that is spreading, and certainly if you get a fever, you should be seen promptly by your doctor,” says Dr. Kassouf.

How to Help Prevent Eczema Blisters From Popping Up

Eczema blisters can sometimes be unavoidable, but you should be able to keep them at bay if you stick to your eczema treatment plan.

 Avoid triggers, take medication as prescribed, and keep your skin properly moisturized. Scratching can break the skin and invite infection, so try to resist the temptation.

The Takeaway

  • There are many different types of eczema — including dyshidrotic eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis — all of which can cause the skin to become swollen, irritated, itchy, and prone to developing blisters.
  • Eczema blisters can’t always be avoided, but it’s important to stick to your treatment routine, keep your skin moisturized, and try not to scratch them.
  • If you have worsening blisters or signs of infection (skin is red, warm to the touch, draining liquid, or swelling), visit your healthcare provider for treatment.

Additional reporting by Regina Boyle Wheeler.

Common Questions & Answers

Why do blisters seem to appear for no reason?
Blisters form in response to inflamed or damaged skin. Eczema blisters can also occur as the result of an allergic reaction, in response to an environmental irritant, or because of an infection.
The fluid in eczema blisters is serous fluid, which is made up of plasma, the blood’s liquid foundation, minus its proteins. If there is an infection, bacteria, fungi, or yeast may be present as well.
It is not advisable to pick, poke, or pop these blisters because it can lead to infection. Large, painful blisters sometimes do benefit from being opened, but this must be done using sterile tools, preferably by a doctor. Proper wound care is important to prevent infection. Once the blister is punctured, it is advisable to leave the skin of the blister on as a “natural bandage.”
Treatment for eczema blisters typically involves topical corticosteroids combined with soaking the affected area and applying cool compresses a few times a day. Avoiding known triggers and irritants will also help prevent further irritation.
Treatment for dyshidrotic eczema includes medicated soaks and cool compresses, which can help dry out blisters, as well as a medicated cream or ointment, such as a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. An antihistamine may also be prescribed to help relieve itching.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. What Is Eczema? National Eczema Association. January 27, 2025.
  2. Dyshidrotic Eczema. National Eczema Association. February 20, 2025.
  3. Pompholyx (Dyshidrotic) Eczema. National Eczema Society.
  4. Eczema Types: Dyshidrotic Eczema Diagnosis and Treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association. November 16, 2020.
  5. Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. Cleveland Clinic. May 5, 2023.
  6. Contact Dermatitis. National Eczema Association. January 27, 2025.
  7. de Groot AC. Fragrances: Contact Allergy and Other Adverse Effects. Dermatitis. January/February 2020.
  8. Dermatitis. University of Michigan Health-Sparrow. April 29, 2025.
  9. Contact Dermatitis. Cleveland Clinic. March 30, 2023.
  10. Contact Dermatitis. Mayo Clinic. May 2, 2024.
  11. Dry Skin Relief From Handwashing. American Academy of Dermatology Association. December 18, 2024.
  12. Xiao A et al. Health Conditions Related to Eczema. StatPearls. August 12, 2024.
  13. Eczema Herpeticum. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
  14. Staph Infections. Mayo Clinic. May 25, 2022.
  15. Dermatitis. Cleveland Clinic. October 29, 2020.
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Jacquelyn-Dosal-bio

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Associates of South Florida in Coral Gables. She practices general, medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology.

Dr. Dosal provides compassionate care to all her patients, listening to their concerns and creating a treatment plan with each patient's priorities and real life in mind.

She is a member of the voluntary faculty at the University of Miami.

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Ashley Welch has more than a decade of experience in both breaking news and long-form storytelling. She is passionate about getting to the crux of the latest scientific studies and sharing important information in an easy-to-digest way to better inform decision-making. She has written about health, science, and wellness for a variety of outlets, including Scientific American Mind, Healthline, New York Family, Oprah.com, and WebMD.

She served as the health editor for CBSNews.com for several years as a reporter, writer, and editor of daily health news articles and features. As a former staff member at Everyday Health, she covered a wide range of chronic conditions and diseases.

Welch holds a bachelor's degree from Fordham University and a master's degree from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York, where she studied health and science reporting. She enjoys yoga and is an aspiring runner.

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