Hand Eczema: Causes, Types And Symptoms Of Hand Eczema
Hand eczema is a skin disease that can be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment. Learn about hand eczema, including its causes, types, and symptoms. Understand how to identify and manage this common skin condition effectively.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Hand eczema or hand dermatitis is a common skin inflammation that affects the hands. It causes itchiness, redness, dryness and, in some cases, painful blisters and cracks. While environmental factors are one of the major reasons behind hand eczema, genetic predisposition also plays a part in developing this condition. The common triggers of this condition include exposure to harsh chemicals, wet hands for longer hours, cold weather and allergens like latex and nickel. However, taking proper precautions and lifestyle changes can stop the disease.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hand eczema occurs due to several reasons:
Genetic predisposition and unknown factors
Some immune reaction
Irritants include solvents, alkalis, detergents, heat, water, cold, friction, etc.
Injury
People with atopic diseases are at a high risk of hand eczema. Researchers also found a strong connection between hand eczema and other diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
Types of Hand Eczema
There are different types of hand eczema. Some of these are:
Dyshidrotic Eczema: This type of eczema creates small blisters on the palms and fingers. The actual reason for this eczema is unknown, but it can occur if someone has another type of eczema in the family or for any genetic reason.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This type of dermatitis is similar to irritant contact dermatitis and constitutional dermatitis. Around 30 types of allergens can cause it, including fragrances, nickel, and p-phenylenediamine.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin is exposed to specific elements or environmental factors that can damage its protective capacity. Professionals, including hairdressers, cleaners, healthcare personnel, and food handlers, are more likely to be affected by irritant contact dermatitis.
Symptoms of Hand Eczema
Some common symptoms of hand eczema include -
Cracked and scaly skin
Peeling skin
Itchy skin
Redness
Dryness
Swelling
Blisters
Several other skin conditions might look like eczema, including psoriasis, scabies, allergies, acne, etc. Thus, it is vital to talk to a dermatologist, allergist, or healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. The doctor may recommend tests like patch tests, scrapings, or biopsies to understand the condition and start treatment accordingly fully.
Diagnosis of Hand Eczema
The diagnosis of hand eczema is straightforward because it can be determined from the patient's medical history. So, the doctor may ask the patient about:
Chronic, acute, or relapsing course
Their profession and hobby
History of skin disease
Dermatitis on the other body parts
Also, for patients with chronic hand dermatitis, the doctors perform patch tests to detect allergens. Additionally, biopsy and skin scrapings may be required to determine if other skin diseases are present in the hands.
Management and Treatment Options
Topical treatments for hand eczema include applying creams, gels, or ointments. Patients should apply these products directly to their skin. Two commonly known topical medications are:
Protopic: It strengthens the immune system and stops it from affecting the skin cells.
Corticosteroids: These steroid-based products reduce swelling, itching and allergic reactions.
The dermatologist will suggest oral medications if the topical treatments don't work. These include:
Oral Corticosteroids: Taking these medications for a short period helps treat hand eczema. Prednisone, for instance, can help.
Alitretinoin (Toctino): This medication is strictly recommended for treating severe hand eczema. It helps relieve the inflammation and cool the immune system. It takes 12 to 24 weeks to work.
Also, doctors might suggest some systemic therapies, such as phototherapy. In this therapy, healthcare providers use UVA or UVB rays to treat hand eczema.
Lifestyle and Home Care Tips
Lifestyle and home care tips for hand eczema include:
Use dye-free and fragrance-free moisturisers on the hand
Moisturise the hands after washing the hands
Avoid hot water and use warm water to wash your hands
Choose gentle soaps that can cause allergic reactions
Remove the rings before washing your hands with soap
To manage the cracks, one can apply petroleum-based ointment all over the hand and then put on cotton gloves. Moreover, glycerine-based ointments may also help in this matter.
Wear gloves while washing dishes, cleaning, preparing foods with certain ingredients (chillies, garlic, etc.), or washing the hair.
Protect the wounds with a bandage and treat them properly to avoid allergens or irritants.
Diet and Hand Eczema
There is no specific diet for curing hand eczema, but individuals should plan and modify their diet based on their symptoms. First, they must avoid foods that can create allergies, such as eggs, peanuts, soy products, cow milk, wheat, and tree nuts.
Also, they should focus on an anti-inflammatory diet. Including omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, along with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, can help reduce inflammation and support skin health.
Also, individuals should focus on hydration and consuming probiotics, which will improve overall skin resilience and aid in the management of hand eczema.
Coping with Hand Eczema
Managing hand eczema goes beyond the management of physical condition, individuals need to take care of the psychological aspect as well. The chronic nature of the condition can lead to frustration, anxiety, or self-consciousness, impacting mental health. Therefore, joining support groups, whether online or in-person, can provide a sense of community and understanding, offering a platform to share experiences and coping strategies. Besides, accessing mental health resources, such as counselling or stress-management techniques, can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges associated with the condition.
Prevention of Hand Eczema
Here are some long-term prevention strategies for hand eczema:
Reducing exposure to irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents, and chemicals
Using protective gloves during activities like cleaning or dishwashing
Maintaining skin hydration with fragrance-free moisturisers
Staying away from known allergens
Early intervention is essential to effectively managing hand eczema and preventing its deterioration. Addressing the symptoms
with utmost vigilance through medical check-ups, diagnosis, and treatment can help manage and cure this condition.
Conclusion
Hand eczema is a commonly known disease that affects an individual's physical and mental well-being. It lowers the patient's quality of life and self-esteem and makes the person question his/her self-worth. However, this condition is curable. With timely intervention and effective treatment, individuals can quickly get better and lead a more comfortable and confident life.
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