Blisters on the hands can be caused by various factors, including:

• Friction: Rubbing your skin on an object, such as working with a rake without using gloves, can cause blistering.

• Irritation: Skin can develop blisters if it comes into contact with some chemicals or allergens. For example, nickel-rich foods have been linked to the occurrence of blisters on the hands.

• Infection: Blisters can be a symptom of some diseases, such as chickenpox, herpes, and bullous impetigo.

• Skin conditions: Dyshidrosis, also known as dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx, is a skin condition that causes small, fluid-filled blisters to form on the palms of the hands and sides of the fingers. It tends to happen in people who have a skin condition called atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergic conditions, such as hay fever or glove allergy. Pompholyx causes itchy blisters on the hands or feet that come and go.

To determine the cause of hand blisters, it is important to consult a doctor or other healthcare provider. They may ask about your family history, personal medical history, allergies, and medications you take. The right treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. Treatment for dyshidrosis most often includes prescription steroid skin creams or ointments. Other treatments may include light therapy or medicine taken by mouth or injection. If the blisters become infected, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.