Introduction to hand or foot dermatitis

Dermatitis on the hand or foot includes juvenile plantar dermatosis (juvenile forefoot dermatitis) and pompholyx. Conditions that may be misdiagnosed as dermatitis on the hands or feet include tinea, scabies, psoriasis and dry (cracked) heels.

Dermatitis on the dorsum of the hands or fingers without palmar changes is usually exogenous in cause—see Hand contact dermatitis.

If hand or foot dermatitis is resistant to treatment or recurrent, consider allergic contact dermatitis and a referral for patch testingRademaker, 2021.