Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 25, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Vesicle Rash on Hands and Palms

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx): This condition is characterized by the appearance of small, itchy vesicles on the palms and soles, often due to stress, allergies, or environmental factors. It's a common condition that matches the described symptoms closely.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Contact Dermatitis: An allergic reaction or irritation from substances like metals (e.g., nickel), latex, or certain chemicals can cause a vesicular rash on the hands and palms.
    • Herpes Simplex: Although more commonly associated with oral or genital areas, herpes simplex can occasionally cause vesicular lesions on the hands, known as herpetic whitlow.
    • Vesicular Tinea (Ringworm): A fungal infection that can cause vesicular lesions, especially on the palms, though it's less common than other forms of tinea.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Secondary Syphilis: This condition can cause a variety of skin rashes, including vesicular ones on the palms and soles, and is critical to diagnose due to its potential for serious complications if left untreated.
    • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD): Caused by viruses like Coxsackievirus A, HFMD can lead to vesicular lesions on the hands and feet, and while usually benign, it can be serious in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Pemphigus Vulgaris: An autoimmune disease causing blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, which can rarely present with vesicles on the hands and palms.
    • Bullous Pemphigoid: Another autoimmune blistering disease that can occasionally present with vesicles on the palms, though it more commonly affects larger areas of the body.
    • Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Characterized by intensely itchy, blistering skin, this condition is associated with celiac disease and can rarely cause vesicular rashes on the hands and palms.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.