Hand eczema

Hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects the hands. It can make your skin red, itchy, cracked, and dry. Sometimes it can even lead to blisters or patches of raised skin. Hand eczema, a common skin condition, affects millions of people around the world. This form of eczema is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin on the hands. For some, it’s a mild annoyance, while for others, it’s a chronic issue that can greatly affect daily life. Hand eczema can be triggered by various factors and comes in different types.

Types

Eczema can be triggered by various factors and comes in different types.

1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

This is the most common type of hand eczema. It happens when your hands come into contact with certain substances or materials that irritate the skin. These could include cleaning products, detergents, or even certain types of food. Imagine your hands becoming red and sore after scrubbing dishes with a bar of harsh dish soap – that’s irritant contact dermatitis.

2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Similar to irritant contact dermatitis, this type occurs when you touch a substance that you’re allergic to. Common allergens include nickel, rubber, and certain types of medication. The key difference between the two types is that allergic contact dermatitis involves an immune response, while irritant contact does not.

3. Dyshidrotic Eczema

This type of eczema is marked by small, itchy blisters on the hands and sometimes the feet. The cause of dyshidrotic eczema isn’t fully known, but it’s thought to be related to seasonal allergies or stress. It can be quite uncomfortable, but with proper care and treatment, it’s manageable.

4. Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is a chronic skin condition that typically starts in childhood. It often runs in families and is associated with other conditions like hay fever and asthma. People with atopic dermatitis have very dry and sensitive skin, and may get rashes on their hands as well as other parts of the body.

5. Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczema causes round, coin-shaped spots to appear on the skin. These spots can be very itchy and may become dry and scaly. It’s not known exactly what causes nummular eczema, but it can be triggered by things like insect bites or reactions to certain medications.

Now that you’re familiar with the main types of hand eczema, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with this condition is different. What works to manage symptoms for one person may not work for another. The best approach is to consult with a healthcare provider or a dermatologist, who can help identify triggers and create a tailored treatment plan.

Causes

To manage this condition effectively, understanding its causes is crucial. Here are the top 30 causes of hand eczema explained simply.

1. Genetics: Like many health conditions, your genes play a role. If your family has a history of eczema, you’re more likely to develop it too.
2. Irritants: These are substances that can damage your skin, leading to eczema. Common irritants include cleaning products, perfumes, soaps, and detergents.
3. Allergens: Allergens are substances that cause an allergic reaction. Dust, pet dander, or certain types of food can trigger hand eczema.
4. Weather Changes: Rapid weather changes, especially dry and cold weather, can cause the skin to become dry and irritated, leading to eczema.
5. Stress: Stress doesn’t directly cause eczema but can trigger or worsen its symptoms.
6. Dry Skin: If your skin is often dry, you’re at higher risk of developing hand eczema. It’s crucial to moisturize regularly.
7. Contact with Water: Constant hand washing or exposure to water can strip away the skin’s natural oils, causing dryness and possibly eczema.
8. Skin Infections: Infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses can lead to eczema.
9. Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels, especially in women (during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause), can trigger eczema.
10. Sweating: Excessive sweating can lead to wet, macerated skin, which can trigger eczema.
11. Smoking and Alcohol: Both can weaken the immune system and dry out the skin, making it more susceptible to eczema.
12. Poor Diet: Lack of essential nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, can make the skin prone to eczema.
13. Medications: Certain medicines can cause dry skin or allergic reactions that lead to eczema.
14. Industrial Chemicals: Workers exposed to chemicals, like solvents, rubber accelerators, and nickel, can develop ‘occupational’ hand eczema.
15. Dyshidrotic Eczema: This is a specific type of hand eczema characterized by blisters. Its exact cause is unknown, but it’s linked to allergies and stress.
16. Certain Diseases: People with conditions like asthma, hay fever, or psoriasis are more prone to eczema.
17. Immunodeficiency: A weakened immune system can make one more susceptible to skin conditions, including eczema.
18. Textile Industry: Workers in the textile industry are more prone to hand eczema due to exposure to dye, fabric, and other irritants.
19. Healthcare Workers: Frequent hand washing and glove use can cause hand eczema in healthcare workers.
20. Abrasions: Cuts, scrapes, or burns can damage the skin barrier, allowing irritants and allergens to enter the skin and cause eczema.
21. Metalwork Industry: Exposure to metalworking fluids and oils can lead to hand eczema.
22. Hairdressing: Exposure to hair dyes, bleaches, and shampoos can cause hand eczema in hairdressers.
23. Latex: Some people have a latex allergy, which can trigger eczema when they wear latex gloves.
24. Fragrances: Certain artificial fragrances can irritate the skin, leading to eczema.
25. Food Handling: Regular exposure to food substances can irritate the skin and lead to eczema.
26. Skin Care Products: Some skin care products can contain irritants and allergens that may trigger hand eczema.
27. Hot Environments: Heat can cause excessive sweating and skin irritation, potentially leading to hand eczema.
28. Cement Industry: Workers exposed to cement are more likely to develop hand eczema due to the alkaline pH and abrasive nature of cement.
29. Rubber Industry: Workers handling rubber products are prone to developing hand eczema due to irritants and allergens in rubber.
30. Glove Use: Prolonged use of gloves, especially if they are not changed frequently, can create a moist environment leading to hand eczema.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hand eczema.

1. Redness: The most noticeable sign of hand eczema is redness. It’s as if your hands are blushing, only it’s not from embarrassment but irritation.
2. Itching: Think of this symptom as an unwelcome guest. The itchiness caused by hand eczema is persistent and can be very intense.
3. Dry, Cracked Skin: If your hands feel parched, like a desert, and show small, painful cracks, it could be a sign of eczema.
4. Blisters: These are small pockets of fluid that form on your skin, much like tiny, unpleasant balloons.
5. Pain: Hand eczema can cause discomfort. If your hands hurt when you’re simply carrying out everyday tasks, it might be eczema.
6. Swelling: This occurs when parts of your hands puff up, like a balloon. This swelling often accompanies other symptoms like redness and itching.
7. Peeling: If your skin starts to peel off, like old wallpaper, it may indicate eczema.
8. Burning Sensation: Eczema can feel like a mini, invisible fire on your skin. It can create a stinging or burning sensation.
9. Rough Skin: Your skin may feel rough to the touch, almost like sandpaper – a clear sign of eczema.
10. Scaly Patches: These look like tiny, dry islands on the landscape of your skin, another symptom of eczema.
11. Dark, Discolored Skin: Areas affected by eczema may darken as if someone’s gone over your skin with a too-dark foundation.
12. Bleeding: Those tiny cracks we talked about? Sometimes they can bleed, especially if you’ve been scratching a lot.
13. Thickened Skin: Over time, skin affected by eczema may become thick and feel leathery. It’s as if your skin is putting on a heavy coat to protect itself.
14. Oozing: Sometimes, the blisters or broken skin may ooze a clear or yellowish liquid.
15. Infection Signs: If the affected area is showing signs of infection such as increased redness, pus, or a worsening of the symptoms, it could be because of eczema.
16. Heat: Your skin might feel unusually warm to the touch, like a minor hot spot.
17. Sensitivity: Skin may become sensitive to substances it wasn’t before, causing reactions even to mild soaps or detergents.
18. Rashes: These are patches of skin that have become irritated and inflamed. They might be red, itchy, bumpy, or swollen.
19. Bumps: You may see or feel small bumps on your skin. These might be fluid-filled, or they might be solid, like a tiny hill on your skin.
20. Changes in Skin Tone: Over time, areas affected by eczema may change color, becoming darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.

Diagnosis

Diagnostics and tests to understand and manage this skin condition better.

1. Physical Examination: Your doctor starts by looking at the affected area. They’ll check for signs of eczema like redness, scaling, and itchiness.
2. Medical History: Your physician will ask about your health history. They want to know if you or anyone in your family has had eczema or other skin issues.
3. Patch Testing: If allergens are suspected, your doctor may do a patch test. Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to your skin with patches, and monitored for a few days to see if you react.
4. Skin Prick Test: Similar to a patch test, this checks for allergies. The doctor pricks your skin with a tiny amount of a possible allergen. If you’re allergic, you’ll develop a red, itchy bump.
5. Blood Testing: Sometimes, doctors take a blood sample to measure the levels of certain antibodies. High levels may point towards allergies or autoimmune diseases that could be causing eczema.
6. Skin Scraping: Doctors may scrape off a small skin sample to check for infections that can worsen eczema.
7. Skin Biopsy: In rare cases, a small skin sample may be removed for testing in a lab. This helps rule out other skin diseases.
8. IgE Level Test: This blood test checks the level of immunoglobulin E, a type of antibody. High levels may suggest an allergic reaction causing eczema.
9. Intradermal Test: Similar to a skin prick test, a small amount of allergen is injected into the skin to check for a reaction.
10. Lifestyle Evaluation: Your doctor will ask about your lifestyle habits, such as smoking, alcohol use, or exposure to potential irritants at work or home.
11. Skin pH Test: Eczema can affect the pH level of your skin. A simple swab test can check your skin’s pH balance.
12. Tzanck Test: This test involves scraping a blister to look for signs of infection under a microscope.
13. Wood’s Lamp Examination: A Wood lamp is a black light used to examine the skin. Some skin conditions, including eczema, will glow under the light.
14. Ruling Out Dermatitis Herpetiformis: This condition causes an itchy, burning rash and is associated with gluten intolerance. Testing is done to ensure eczema isn’t confused with this condition.
15. Pulse Test: This involves consuming a suspected allergen and monitoring the body’s reaction. However, it should be done under medical supervision.
16. Food Diary: You may be asked to keep a food diary. Certain foods can trigger eczema, and a diary can help identify them.
17. Dietary Changes: Removing suspected foods from your diet and monitoring changes can help identify triggers.
18. Product Testing: Doctors may suggest changing or eliminating certain personal care products to determine if these are causing eczema.
19. Moisturizing Test: Consistent use of moisturizers can help determine if dryness contributes to your eczema.
20. Textile Testing: Some people are sensitive to certain fabrics. Doctors may suggest wearing different textiles to see if symptoms improve.
21. Household Allergen Test: Dust mites, pet dander, and other household allergens can trigger eczema. Your doctor may recommend an allergen test for your home.
22. Stress Evaluation: High-stress levels can worsen eczema. Your doctor may discuss stress management techniques to see if these help your symptoms.
23. Temperature/Humidity Changes: Your doctor might suggest changes in your environment’s temperature and humidity, as they can sometimes trigger eczema.
24. Medication Review: Some medicines can cause eczema. Your doctor will review any medicines you’re taking.
25. Cosmetics Review: Certain cosmetics can irritate the skin and cause eczema. A review of the cosmetics you use may be helpful.
26. Environmental Allergens: Factors like pollen, mold, or pollution can worsen eczema. Your doctor may suggest tests to check your sensitivity to these allergens.
27. Hygiene Practices: Good hygiene can prevent infection and manage eczema. Your doctor may review your practices.
28. Sun Exposure Evaluation: Some people find their eczema improves with sun exposure, while for others, it worsens. Your doctor may ask about your symptoms in relation to sun exposure.
29. Nickel Test: Nickel, found in many everyday items, can cause eczema. Your doctor may suggest a test for nickel allergy.
30. Ruling Out Psoriasis: Symptoms of psoriasis can be similar to eczema. If your doctor suspects psoriasis, they may perform additional tests to differentiate between the two.

Treatment

Top 30 treatments for hand eczema. These methods are bound to help you manage this uncomfortable condition and bring some relief to your life.

1. Moisturizing Creams: These are the first line of defense against hand eczema. They hydrate your skin, keep it supple, and reduce dryness which could otherwise lead to itchiness and flaking.

2. Over-the-Counter Hydrocortisone: A mild steroid cream that reduces inflammation, redness, and itching. It’s readily available and a common go-to for mild to moderate cases of eczema.

3. Prescription Steroid Creams: For more severe cases, doctors often prescribe stronger steroid creams. Always use these under medical supervision due to possible side effects.

4. Cold Compresses: Applying a cold, damp cloth to affected areas can help soothe itching and inflammation.

5. Antihistamines: Medicines like Benadryl can reduce itching, particularly at night, helping you sleep better.

6. Barrier Creams: These create a protective layer on the skin, preventing irritants from making eczema worse.

7. Gentle Soap: Opt for non-fragrant, hypoallergenic soaps that won’t aggravate your skin.

8. Cotton Gloves: Wear them at night after applying cream to help lock in moisture.

9. Avoidance of Irritants: Identify and avoid substances causing your flare-ups. It could be anything from dish soap to certain fabrics.

10. Phototherapy: Controlled exposure to UV light can help treat moderate to severe eczema. It’s usually done under medical supervision.

11. Biologics: These are medicines made from living organisms. Dupixent is a well-known biologic for severe eczema, but only used when other treatments fail.

12. Immune Modulators: Topical medicines like Protopic or Elidel alter your immune response, reducing eczema symptoms.

13. Antimicrobial Creams: If your eczema gets infected, doctors might prescribe creams containing antibiotics.

14. Stress Management: Stress can trigger flare-ups. Yoga, mindfulness, or therapy can help you manage your stress levels.

15. Dietary Changes: Some people find certain foods trigger their eczema. Consider a food diary to identify potential culprits.

16. Bleach Baths: A mild bleach bath can kill bacteria on the skin, reducing eczema severity. Always do this under a healthcare professional’s guidance.

17. Wet Wraps: A technique involving applying a wet bandage to the affected area after moisturizing. It’s useful for severe or resistant eczema.

18. Acupuncture: Some people find relief from itchiness with acupuncture, but scientific backing is limited.

19. Homeopathy: Some find relief with homeopathic remedies, but there is limited scientific evidence to back this up.

20. Coal Tar: This thick, black substance can help reduce itching and inflammation. It’s available in creams, ointments, and shampoos.

21. Calcineurin Inhibitors: These are drugs like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus that suppress the immune system and can help manage eczema.

22. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Some patients have found relief with traditional Chinese remedies, though more research is needed to validate their efficacy.

23. Omega-3 Supplements: These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially help with eczema.

24. Probiotics: Gut health and skin health are linked. Some people find taking probiotics helps manage their eczema.

25. Regular Exercise: Exercise can boost your immune system and reduce stress, which might help control your eczema.

26. Hypnosis: There’s some evidence that hypnosis can help with itching and scratching.

27. Bath Oils: Adding specially formulated oils to your bath can help moisturize your skin and relieve symptoms.

28. Emollients: These moisturizing treatments soothe, smooth, and hydrate the skin, reducing itchiness and flakiness.

29. Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding harsh cleaning products, wearing non-irritating clothing, and keeping fingernails short can all help manage hand eczema.

30. Regular Dermatologist Check-ups: Regular visits to your dermatologist can help you stay on top of your hand eczema, adjusting treatment as necessary.

While eczema can be a bothersome condition, it doesn’t have to rule your life. With these 30 treatments, you’re armed with a comprehensive toolkit to manage your hand eczema effectively.

References