Q: During summers I get small blisters on my hands and fingers. The blisters/eruptions are white in colour and cause acute itching, especially at night. After itching, the eruptions become red followed by a watery discharge. I keep my hands clean by washing them thoroughly with antiseptic soap. I avoid contact with detergents and washing soaps, and apply a hand cream (water based moisturizer). But nothing helps. Applying lacto calamine solution provides some relief in the itching, but the problem recurs. Is this a fungal infection or some kind of eczema? Will taking vitamin A supplements (Aerovit) help? My father too has a similar problem, but it gets cured after taking aerovit.

A:It seems that your problem is that of an endogenous eczema and is known by the name of Pompholyx. It recurs during stress and presents with itchy deep seated blisters on the sides of fingers or sometimes soles and toes. It is treated with topical steroids, oral antibiotics, rarely systemic steroids are required. Oral vitamin supplements can be taken.