Hand Eczema

Hand Eczema: What Causes it and How to Treat It

Hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the hands. The signs and symptoms of hand eczema include redness, itching, burning, and dryness. In some cases, blisters, cracks, and/or soreness may also appear. Hand eczema is a common skin condition that can affect anyone, although it seems to occur more frequently in people who do manual labor or have jobs that involve contact with water, solvents, and/or other chemicals. Here, we’ll discuss the different types of hand eczema, what causes it, and how to treat it.

Types of Hand Eczema

There are two main types of hand eczema:

Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Caused by repeated contact with solvents, detergents, cleaning products, and/or other irritants.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Caused by an overexposure to a specific allergen.

What Causes Hand Eczema?

Hand eczema can be triggered by a variety of things, including:

Exposure to irritants, such as soaps, detergents, and solvents
Exposure to allergens, such as perfumes, dyes, and other chemical compounds
Certain fabrics, such as latex or wool
Extreme weather conditions, such as cold or dry air
Certain medications, such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antifungal creams
Stress
Excessive hand washing or sanitizer use
Having certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis
Having a weakened immune system

How to Treat Hand Eczema

The goal of treatment for hand eczema is to reduce inflammation, reduce discomfort, and promote healing. Treatment will vary depending on the type and severity of hand eczema. Common treatment options include:

Corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation
Antihistamines to reduce itching
Antibiotic creams to prevent and/or treat infection
Moisturizing lotions or creams to protect and hydrate the skin
Cold compresses to reduce itching and inflammation
Light therapy to reduce symptoms
Avoiding irritants and allergens

In addition to the above treatments, it’s also important to practice good skin care. This includes avoiding hot baths and showers, avoiding harsh soaps and cleansers, and using gloves when cleaning or working with chemicals.