What is Hand Eczema?

Hand eczema can be very troublesome skin disease especially because it is job-related and you cannot stop the cause of eczema. Further, it can be made worse by factors including frequent hand washing and exposure to chemicals. Hand eczema may require specific testing and treatment.

It may cause itchy, dry, scaly patches of skin that crack and flake. This can occur acutely, but may also be a condition referred to as chronic hand eczema (CHE) or chronic hand dermatitis (CHD). Hand eczema, and CHE can profoundly affect everyday living and one’s quality of life. Chronic hand eczema may not respond to traditional eczema management strategies such as frequent moisturizing, protecting the hands, and topical prescription treatments, and the appropriate treatment plan will depend on a number of factors.

Hand eczema can happen to anyone; however, you are more likely to be affected if:

• You had similar skin problems, eczema, hay fever, or other allergies as a child.
• Your hands get wet a lot, whether at home, work or with leisure activities.
• Your job exposes your hands to irritating chemicals or very frequent hand washing and disinfection.
• You frequently wash your hands around the house or at work, which breaks down the skin’s natural protective barrier.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

Often, the cause is unclear—however, there can be one or more conditions present. The three most common conditions related to hand eczema are as follows:

IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS

The most common is Irritant Contact Dermatitis. Repeated exposure to irritants such as water, soaps, detergents, solvents, degreasers, lubricants, oils, coolants, fiberglass dust, food products, metals, and plastics can inhibit the repair of the skin barrier.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Affects the fingertips and web spaces.
• Skin is dry and chapped, with areas of itchy, red, scaly, and swollen skin.
• Skin may sting or burn when in contact with irritants, and may eventually crack and bleed.

ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS (ACD)

The second most common form of hand eczema is Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Common allergens include nickel, certain food additives and fragrances, and preservatives. Occupational allergens could include antibacterial soaps and solutions, organic dyes, rubber, plastic resins, and plants.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Soon after exposure, small blisters may appear with itchy, swollen, red skin.
• Later, the skin may dry out with crusts, scales, and cracks.
• Prolonged exposure to the allergen can cause the skin to darken and it may become thick and leathery.
• Eczema may appear all over the hands and fingers, particularly on the inside of the hands and fingertips.

ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Atopic Dermatitis, whereby skin in other areas of the body is affected, can also cause hand eczema.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• intense itchiness
• acute skin lesions
• the condition is chronic
• skin thickens
• Speak with your doctor to get a diagnosis on your specific condition, and to talk about treatment options that are right for you.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, hand dermatitis can persist and become chronic. It can often become disabling because it affects one’s ability to perform at work and home.

Hand dermatitis may interfere with sleep, cause emotional discomfort, and negatively affect interpersonal interactions. A thorough history and physical examination are essential in helping to deduce the possible cause(s) of hand dermatitis. Medical, occupational and social history are important. It is often challenging to distinguish irritant contact from allergic contact dermatitis.

TREATMENT OF ECZEMA

There are several treatment options for hand eczema. Speak to your doctor to dertermine which may be right for you.

LIFESTYLE

Lifestyle modification and self care are the first lines of defence. This includes:

Moisturizing and Gentle Cleansing

Use hand cleansers and moisturizers that are free of irritating ingredients and fragrances (see our Seal of Acceptance products). Moisturizing regularly will help to replenish skin moisture, and will help you to keep your eczema under control.
Petrolatum is often the preferred moisturizer for hand eczema as it has few ingredients, and doesn’t sting or irritate open areas. Petrolatum also holds in the skin’s natural moisture and provides a protective barrier to keep irritants out.
Apply a rich moisturizer immediately after bathing, hand washing, and anytime in between. If your eczema has cleared up, and you are no longer using your prescription treatments, continue with a diligent moisturizing routine, which may help to prolong the period between flares.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Where possible, avoid or minimize wet-work.
• Avoid excessive sweating and dry conditions which are sometimes triggers.
• Avoid scratching which worsens the condition and may cause cracks allowing bacteria to enter leading to infection. Sometimes applying cold compress to area reduces itch. Keep fingernails short.
• Avoid the substance(s) causing the irritation or allergy. Avoiding all substances can be very difficult-if not impossible-especially if these substances are encountered at work. Using barrier cream, wearing gloves, and practicing glove hygiene is often helpful.
• Minimize contact with fruit juices, fruits, vegetables, raw meat while preparing food, or wear gloves.
• Protect hands by using cotton gloves as liner under vinyl gloves.
• Shampoo and style hair while wearing vinyl gloves, if possible.
• Take off rings before wet-work or hand washing.
• Use emollients frequently to help restore normal skin barrier function. A thin smear of a thick barrier cream should be applied to all affected areas before work, and reapplied after washing and whenever the skin dries out.
• Stress management-stress triggers flare-ups in many people so reducing stress may be beneficial.

ORAL CORTICOSTEROIDS

Oral corticosteroids may be effective in a short course for recurrent pomphylx and dyshidrotic hand dermatitis, however should be avoided. Warning about serious side effects of prednisone must always be considered.

Originally Published at https://eczemahelp.ca/about-eczema/hand-eczema/

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