My life as a nail tech with eczema condition, pompholyx

Scratch chats to Keeley Hopkins of Spotlight Aesthetics & Beauty By Keeley, about her debilitating pompholyx and her tips and advice for other sufferers…

Pompholyx (or dyshidrotic eczema) is defined by the NHS as a type of eczema that begins with intense itching of the hands and fingers, causing tiny blisters to develop which can weep fluid.

It’s not known what causes pompholyx, but it can be triggered by a fungal skin infection, a reaction to something that has touched your skin, stress, or excessive sweating.

Keeley’s pompholyx began in October 2020. “It started with my fingers itching and feeling like they were on fire. It got worse day by day, and I’ve since had mild flare ups and some really bad flare ups,” she comments.

In many cases, pompholyx will clear up on its own within a few weeks, but in more severe cases like Keeley’s, it can come and go over several months or years, where you will need to see a GP and/or dermatologist. “I’ve had three different creams from the doctor and two lots of antibiotics,” says Keeley. But sadly, the condition is still very much affecting her daily life, and she has since been referred to a dermatologist.

According to the NHS, a dermatologist will recommend steroid tablets or a very strong steroid cream, immunosuppressant creams or tablets, or alitretinoin capsules – medicine that helps improve severe eczema on the hands when other treatments have not worked.

Keeley is still waiting for her dermatology appointment, but she urges that a dermatology referral is the best thing other sufferers can receive, along with changing to a completely hypoallergenic system, with the one she personally uses being by Hayley Winder. “It’s been great for me. It has amazing colours and I’d highly recommend it,” she says.

If a dermatology referral or appointment is still a way off, WebMD recommends the following to help control the blisters:

• Use lukewarm water and a mild, scent free soap to gently wash your hands, and pat them dry.
• Take any jewellery off before you wash your hands, as moisture can get trapped under rings and cause more blisters.
• Apply a thick hydrating moisturiser after washing your hands, and rub it in gently.
• Don’t scratch or burst the blisters – let them heal on their own, or if they’re too big, a GP will need to drain them.

Keeley also recommends the Gloves In A Bottle cream and ensures to remove her jewellery on the hand that is reacting, as it can cause her wrists and fingers to swell and make the pompholyx worse.

If you’re feeling bogged down with it all, Keeley wants you to know that you are not alone. “I felt like I was, but I found an amazing supportive community online where nail techs can come together and offer words of advice.”

Follow Keeley on Facebook here.