Hand Eczema Symptoms, Causes, and Further Information
Hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the hands. This condition causes dry, itchy rashes on the hands and can be painful, with symptoms including dryness, cracking, itchiness, inflammation, blisters, dark or discolored patches, a burning sensation, swelling, pustules, pain, bleeding, or oozing from breaks in the skin.
There are several medical treatments available for hand eczema. These include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamine tablets, topical antibiotics, UV therapy, emollients, biologics, and in some cases, allergy patch tests or a punch biopsy may be required for diagnosis and determining the cause.
Prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to triggers such as frequent hand washing or exposure to moisture, cold temperatures, irritation from soaps, fragrances, or harsh chemicals, stress, and work-related exposures to irritants like acids, detergents, solvents, and certain fabrics. Wearing protective gloves during wet work or when handling chemicals can help, but gloves should be breathable to avoid trapping sweat. Regularly moisturizing with creams free of fragrances and preservatives helps maintain the skin barrier, especially after washing hands or bathing. Removing rings before washing, managing stress, and avoiding scratching are also important strategies. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers like specific allergens, chemicals, or fabrics further reduces flare-ups.
To prevent eczema on the hands, it is recommended to avoid allergens and irritants, use mild soaps and detergents without perfumes, apply moisturizer after washing hands, bath in warm water, have a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, stay hydrated, and keep children's skin moisturized all year round.
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but researchers believe genetic and environmental factors are involved. Hand eczema is not contagious. Diagnosis of eczema on the hands may be based on symptoms, medical history, and activities that commonly trigger eczema.
Stress and exposure to irritants and external allergens can trigger or worsen hand eczema. Frequently washing and drying the hands can increase the risk of developing hand eczema. Stress can cause skin inflammation and can sometimes cause a person to develop dyshidrotic eczema, a common type on the hands.
Treatment for eczema on the hands focuses on avoiding triggers and managing symptoms. If new or worsening symptoms of eczema develop, if a current treatment plan is ineffective, or if an area of eczema becomes infected, it is important to contact a doctor.
[1] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Hand eczema. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/hand-eczema [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hand eczema. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20351803 [3] National Eczema Association. (2021). Dyshidrotic eczema. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types/dyshidrotic-eczema/ [4] National Eczema Association. (2021). Allergens and eczema. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/triggers/allergens/
- Hand eczema is a type of skin condition that affects the hands, causing dry, itchy rashes.
- This inflammatory condition can result in pain, dryness, cracking, itchiness, inflammation, blisters, discolored patches, burning sensation, swelling, pustules, or painful bleeding.
- Several medical treatments are available, such as topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, topical antibiotics, UV therapy, emollients, biologics, allergy patch tests, and in some cases, punch biopsy.
- Prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to triggers like frequent hand washing, moisture, cold temperatures, soap, fragrances, harsh chemicals, stress, work-related irritants, and identifying personal triggers.
- Wearing breathable gloves during wet work or chemical handling may help, while regularly moisturizing with fragrance-free creams helps maintain the skin barrier.
- To prevent eczema, avoid allergens, use mild soaps, apply moisturizer after washing, have a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, stay hydrated, and keep children's skin moisturized.
- The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's believed genetic and environmental factors are involved.
- Hand eczema is not contagious, though stress and exposure to irritants can trigger or worsen the condition.
- Dyshidrotic eczema, a common type on the hands, can sometimes be caused by stress.
- Treatment focuses on avoiding triggers and managing symptoms, with professional help sought if new or worsening symptoms develop, current treatments prove ineffective, or an area becomes infected.
- Resources for hand eczema information include the American Academy of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, National Eczema Association, and their respective websites for detailed guidance.
- The National Eczema Association also offers resources on dyshidrotic eczema, allergens, and their impact on eczema.
- Individuals with hand eczema may also experience other medical conditions like diabetes, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, HIV, depression, breast cancer, macular degeneration, migraine, or predictive factors associated with health-and-wellness and skin-conditions.
- It's essential to prioritize self-care and medical guidance for effective eczema management, as well as addressing associated conditions if necessary.
