Hand Dermatitis

What are the symptoms of Hand Dermatitis?

Hand dermatitis varies in severity. It may affect the backs of the hands, the palms or both. Often it starts as a mild intermittent complaint, but it can become increasingly severe and persistent. The affected skin initially becomes red and dry, then progresses to itchy bumps and fluid-filled blisters, flaking skin, and/or cracking.

How can I treat it?

Natural Remedies

An important aspect of treatment is to identify and tackle the contributing factors.

• Use a moisturizer frequently. Apply shea butter or another active moisturizer liberally and often, particularly after bathing, and when itchy.
• Avoid harsh soaps. Wash your hands using lukewarm water.
• Avoid contact with irritants. When possible, protect your hands using vinyl gloves, which are less likely than rubber to cause allergic reactions. Don't wear these for long periods, as sweating will also aggravate hand dermatitis. Always make sure the gloves are clean inside.

Prescription Medications

If your condition persists, we encourage you to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist may prescribe one or more of the following:

• Corticosteroids
• Antibiotics
• Antihistamines
• Immunosuppressants
• Topical Immunomodulators
• Biologic Response Modifiers
• Antimetabolites
• Retinoids

How long will it take to go away

If you apply an active moisturizer to your skin two or three times a day, you are likely to begin to see an improvement in less than a week.

If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, you may want to consult a dermatologist.

What causes Hand Dermatitis?

Hand dermatitis (also known as hand eczema) can result from several different causes, including constitutional factors, contact with irritants and allergy. Some people are more prone to hand dermatitis than others. They often have a personal or family history of atopic dermatitis, asthma or hay fever. Some have psoriasis, a common skin complaint best known for causing red scaly patches on elbows, knees and scalp.

Hand dermatitis is frequently caused or aggravated by work and is then known as occupational dermatitis. Hand dermatitis is particularly common in industries involving cleaning, catering, metalwork, hairdressing, healthcare and mechanical work. The most common occupational factor leading to dermatitis is frequent immersion of the hands in water. This is particularly likely if the skin is exposed to detergents (e.g. hairdresers and shampoos) and solvents (e.g. painters and turpentine), as these eventually strip the skin of its natural protective layer. Caterers are prone to a combination of immediate and delayed allergic reactions to various proteins in food (protein contact dermatitis). Friction and repetitive injury also damage the skin. Irritants result in much more damage once dermatitis has become established; a few minutes indiscretion can result in a flare-up that can last for several months.