Hand eczema: Treatment, prevention, and more – Medical News Today

Hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, is an inflammatory condition that causes itchy blisters and rashes on the palms or fingers. It can be painful, and people may feel self-conscious about it, as it is visible to others.

The condition is fairly widespread, affecting about 10% of people in the United States population, and can occur at any age. It is a chronic condition, meaning that a person will likely have it all of their life. However, symptoms typically come and go throughout a persons lifetime.

Hand eczema is more common in people with a history of atopic eczema and those who come in frequent contact with water and chemicals. These may include hairdressers, cleaners, chefs, and healthcare professionals.

Hand eczema is not contagious. However, it can interfere with peoples lives, as it may affect their ability to carry out their daily activities.

Keep reading to learn more about the causes and symptoms of hand eczema, as well as treatment, prevention tips, and when to see a doctor.

Learn more about all types of eczema here.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that develops in people with an over-reactive immune system. When a person touches something that can irritate the skin, the immune system produces an inflammatory response, which causes itchiness and redness.

A 2016 study found that people with eczema may be more prone to developing other skin infections, such as warts, athletes foot, and cold sores. This is because their body does not have enough filaggrin, a protein that maintains a protective barrier and protects the skin from infections.

No one knows what causes eczema, but some researchers believe that a combination of genes and environmental factors could lead to inflammation resulting in an allergic reaction.

Some of these causes include:

Chemicals and irritants: People who work with detergents or soap and cement are more likely to develop eczema on their hands. It is common in people working in hairdressing, catering, construction, and engineering.

Water: According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), anything can irritate the skin and cause eczema flares. People that frequently wash and dry their hands are more prone to have hand eczema.

Even when a person dries their hands, some water will remain on the skin. This water will evaporate and reduce the skins natural oils.

Using hot water when washing the hands can also cause a decrease in essential oils, which, in turn, can also trigger an eczema flare-up.

Stress: When a person is stressed, the body produces two hormones called cortisol and epinephrine. These suppress the immune system and cause skin inflammation.

Sometimes high levels of stress can lead to dyshidrotic eczema, a common form of eczema that causes itchy blisters on the skin.

Sweating: Sweat contains minerals that can irritate the skin, such as sodium, lead, nickel, and magnesium. When sweat does not dry completely, hot temperatures can cause itching that can result in eczema flare-ups.

Food allergies: Some foods can cause allergies, resulting in eczema flares on the hands. These include dairy products such as milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, and soy products.

Cold temperatures and dehydration: The dry air and abrupt temperature changes in winter can dehydrate the skin and trigger eczema flares. It is more likely to happen when people move from a cold environment to a room with indoor heating and do not remove their layers.

Learn more about allergic eczema here.

Symptoms of hand eczema vary depending on the individuals age, lifestyle, and medical history. However, the AAD note that dry and chapped skin is usually the first symptom that doctors diagnose.

Other symptoms include:

Learn about different types of eczema here.

There is no cure for hand eczema, and symptoms can be painful and distracting. Sometimes, rashes take weeks to disappear. However, doctors can usually suggest a treatment plan depending on the individuals age, symptoms, and medical history.

Some medications and natural remedies that doctors can recommend to people with hand eczema include the following.

Some of the medications that can treat hand eczema include:

Adults may use it if their hand eczema is severe and if another treatment has not treated their skin condition. Doctors may recommend using it for up to 6 months, but individuals should not use it during pregnancy.

Learn whether Medicare covers eczema here.

The following natural remedies may also help with some of the symptoms that present with hand eczema:

Learn more about natural remedies for eczema here.

People can follow a general skincare routine to prevent blisters from forming. It is also important to avoid dry skin in children and help them manage their eczema all year round.

A doctor may advise the following preventive tips:

People should contact a doctor if they cannot manage their hand eczema symptoms or their current treatment plan seems ineffective.

Doctors may recommend other treatment options to prevent further flare-ups.

If a persons eczema is infected, they will require antibiotics and should also contact a doctor.

Learn more about severe eczema here.

Hand eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect both children and adults. It can cause itchy blisters, rashes, cracking, and inflammation.

It is not contagious, and there is no cure for it. However, medications and natural remedies can help soothe inflamed skin, treat infections, and manage flare-ups.

If a person is concerned about their hand eczema, they should contact a doctor or dermatologist, who can advise them on a suitable treatment plan.

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Hand eczema: Treatment, prevention, and more - Medical News Today