How To Treat Eczema on Hands

Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, itchy skin patches. An eczema rash can appear anywhere on the body—including your hands. Different parts of the hands can be affected, such as your palms and fingertips.

Hand eczema may occur because of things that irritate the skin or allergens, such as certain metals, fabrics, or detergents. Some triggers can worsen eczema on the hands, leading to issues like stress-related eczema. Here's more about hand eczema, including types, symptoms, and treatment options.

Types of Eczema on Hands

The following types of eczema are the most common ones that affect hands:

• Allergic: Typically causes swelling and itchiness that happens suddenly or after long-term exposure to the allergen
• Atopic: May lead to a red rash in people with lighter skin tones or small, rough bumps and dark brown, gray, or purple skin areas in people with darker skin tones
• Irritant: Can result in painful, itchy skin that swells, blisters, or becomes crusty

Dyshidrotic (pompholyx) eczema can also affect the hands. It causes tiny, itchy blisters on the palms and fingers. For individuals with dark skin, dark spots can appear where blisters previously were.

Hand Eczema Symptoms

Symptoms of hand eczema can include:

• A burning sensation
• Bleeding—or weeping—skin
• Crusty, painful skin that may ooze pus
• Deep, painful cracks in the skin
• Itchy blisters and skin
• Red, dark brown, purple, or gray irritated skin patches
• Scaly, inflamed skin

Causes of Eczema on Hands

One of the main causes of hand eczema is skin irritants. Irritants can range from not drying your hands well enough to working with chemicals like detergents. Another cause is an allergic reaction to certain materials, like latex or certain jewelry metals.

Treatments for Hand Eczema

It's a good idea to see a dermatologist if you have hand eczema. They may suggest stronger topical or other treatments to treat underlying inflammation, depending on your symptoms. However, here are a few home strategies to help keep hand eczema at bay.

1. Determine Triggers and Avoid Them

The key to treating hand eczema is to find out what triggers it. Once you do, you can know to avoid those triggers whenever possible.

2. Use Water Sparingly

Limit contact with water, especially water that is hot and soapy. Wash dishes in a dishwasher if possible and clean hands with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap.

3. Apply Moisturizer

Apply a moisturizer right after cleaning hands and regularly throughout the day. Look for a brand that contains humectants or emollients that help hydrate your skin.

4. Choose Hand Cleaners Carefully

Stay away from antibacterial and deodorant soaps. Mild, fragrance-free hand cleaners are less likely to trigger a flare.

How To Prevent Flare-Ups

If you want to prevent hand eczema flare-ups, consider doing the following:

• Limiting how often you wash your hands
• Patting your hands dry with paper towels instead of letting them air dry
• Rinsing off excess cleansers, especially between your fingers
• Using gentle hand cleansers and fragrance-free creams or ointments

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

You'll want to see a dermatologist if you have symptoms of hand eczema or if using moisturizer throughout the day isn't helpful. It's best to see a healthcare provider or dermatologist so that hand eczema doesn't worsen.

A Quick Review

Hand eczema occurs when a person has dry, itchy, discolored skin as a result of skin irritants or allergic reactions. Symptoms can somewhat vary depending on the type of eczema you have on your hands.

Knowing and avoiding eczema triggers and applying moisturizers frequently are a few ways to treat hand eczema, but there are also ways to prevent flare-ups. If you have symptoms of eczema on your hands or difficulties with home treatments, see a dermatologist.