Itchy, Dry, Cracked Hands Could Be Hand Eczema

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Hand Eczema, Young Woman Looking at Her Hand

I’ve come across Hand Eczema as a common journey for many. A frequent concern that I continue to encounter in my practice across the globe, is people struggling with persistently itchy and irritated hands. It’s actually quite striking how many individuals experience this at some point in their lives, and more often than not, the culprit turns out to be hand eczema. If you’re currently dealing with this uncomfortable condition, please know that you are not going through this alone. It’s a widespread issue and understanding that others share this condition can sometimes bring a little comfort amidst the irritation. Let’s walk through what challenges this condition brings with it and how to effectively manage it.

What Does Hand Eczema Look Like?

Hand eczema isn’t always the same for everyone, but there are some tell-tale signs. You might notice your skin getting really dry, flaky, and intensely itchy. Sometimes, little red bumps pop up, and if you scratch (and let’s be honest, it’s hard not to!), these can blister and weep. In the long run, the skin can get thick, leathery, and develop painful cracks. I’ve had patients come in thinking it’s just dryness, but the persistent itch and other symptoms point to eczema.

Here’s a quick rundown of common symptoms:

  • Dry, flaky skin:  Feels rough and tight.
  • Intense itching:  The kind that keeps you up at night.
  • Redness: Patches of inflamed skin.
  • Small bumps and blisters: Sometimes filled with fluid.
  • Cracked, painful skin: Especially on the fingertips and palms.
  • Thickened, leathery skin:  From repeated scratching and inflammation.
representative image of hands with hand eczema

You should note, however, that other conditions can present with similar symptoms. Sometimes, it’s simply very dry skin – the kind you get in winter. This might feel tight and flaky, but it usually gets better quickly with a good moisturiser and isn’t as intensely itchy as eczema.

Contact dermatitis, like eczema, can also cause redness and itching. The key difference is that contact dermatitis is usually triggered by a specific irritant you’ve touched – like a new cleaning product or a certain type of metal in jewellery. Once you stop using that irritant, the rash usually clears up. Think about whether your symptoms started shortly after using something new.

Sometimes, what looks like eczema could actually be a fungal infection, like athlete’s foot, but on your hands. This can cause itching, scaling, and sometimes blisters, but it often affects the spaces between your fingers more than other areas.

On the less worrying side, if you’ve just got a few tiny, clear blisters that are really itchy, especially after being in contact with water, it could be pompholyx eczema. This often clears up on its own within a few weeks. And those little hard, white bumps you sometimes get, especially on your fingers? Those are likely just milia – harmless little cysts that don’t itch or cause any problems.

It’s important to pay attention to the pattern and persistence of your symptoms. If the itching is intense and ongoing, and moisturisers aren’t cutting it, it’s more likely to be eczema. If you’re unsure, or if your symptoms are bothering you, it’s always best to get it checked out by a professional. They can help pinpoint exactly what’s going on and guide you on the best way to care for your hands.

What Causes Hand Eczema?

Pinpointing the exact cause of hand eczema can be tricky, as it’s often a mix of things. Sometimes it’s genetic – if someone in your family has eczema or allergies, you’re more likely to get it. But often, it’s triggered by things we come into contact with.

Think about your daily routine. Do you frequently wash your hands?  Are you using harsh soaps or cleaning products?  These can strip the natural oils from your skin, making it vulnerable. Certain professions, like hairdressers, nurses, and cleaners, are particularly prone due to the constant exposure to irritants. Even seemingly harmless things like certain metals in jewellery can trigger a reaction in some people. It’s about understanding your personal triggers.

Here are some common culprits:

  • Irritants: Soaps, detergents, cleaning products, solvents.
  • Allergens:  Nickel (in jewellery), latex, certain fragrances, preservatives in skincare products.
  • Frequent hand washing: Especially without proper moisturizing afterwards.
  • Climate:  Cold, dry weather can worsen eczema.
  • Stress:  While not a direct cause, stress can definitely make flare-ups worse.

Talking of innocuous agents causing skin problems, read this article about sugar’s impact on your skin.

Hand Eczema Prevention Tips

Preventing hand eczema, moisturising hands

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are definitely steps you can take to reduce your risk of hand eczema flare-ups. Simple changes to your routine can make a big difference.

One of the easiest things you can do is to be mindful of hand washing. Use lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soaps. Pat your hands dry gently instead of rubbing vigorously. And this is crucial: moisturise immediately after washing. Keep a hand cream by every sink!

Another tip is to wear gloves when doing chores, especially when using cleaning products or washing dishes. Consider wearing cotton gloves under rubber gloves to absorb sweat, as trapped moisture can also irritate your skin. Protecting your hands from extreme temperatures can also help.

Here’s a quick checklist for prevention:

  • Use mild, fragrance-free soaps.
  • Moisturise your hands frequently, especially after washing.
  • Wear gloves for household chores and gardening.
  • Protect your hands from extreme temperatures.
  • Identify and avoid your personal triggers.
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques.

Hand Eczema Treatments

If you’re in the midst of a hand eczema flare-up, don’t worry, there are effective treatments available. The approach often depends on the severity of your symptoms.

For mild cases, over-the-counter emollients and moisturisers can work wonders. Look for thick creams or ointments containing ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or petroleum jelly. Apply these generously and frequently throughout the day.

If your eczema is more inflamed and itchy, your doctor might prescribe topical corticosteroids. These creams help to reduce inflammation and relieve itching. It’s important to use these as directed by your doctor, as overuse can have side effects. In some cases, especially if there’s a risk of infection, topical antibiotics might also be prescribed.

For more stubborn or severe eczema, other treatment options include phototherapy (light therapy) or systemic medications. One of my regular patients found significant relief with phototherapy after struggling with chronic hand eczema.

Remember, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Here’s a summary of treatment options:

  • Emollients and moisturisers: Apply frequently to keep skin hydrated.
  • Topical corticosteroids: Prescription creams to reduce inflammation and itching.
  • Topical calcineurin inhibitors: Another type of prescription cream that can help manage inflammation.
  • Phototherapy:  Using ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation.
  • Systemic medications:  Oral medications for severe cases.

Living with Hand Eczema

Applying ointment to hand

I’ve had many patients share their frustrations, and I’ve seen firsthand how it impacts everything from work to hobbies. One of the most common complaints is the constant itch. It can be relentless, making it hard to focus or even sleep. Then there’s the dryness. Your hands can feel tight and uncomfortable, and those little cracks can be surprisingly painful.

Simple things we take for granted can become a bit of an ordeal. Washing dishes? You need gloves. Gardening? Definitely gloves. Even handling certain types of paper can sometimes trigger a flare-up. It requires a bit of extra thought and planning. I remember one of my younger patients, a keen artist, telling me how the cracked skin on her fingertips made holding her paintbrushes difficult.

Beyond specific treatments, I recommend good daily care for managing hand eczema and preventing future flare-ups. Think of it as giving your hands the relaxing spa session they deserve.

Continue to moisturise regularly, even when your eczema is under control. Choose gentle, fragrance-free products for washing and cleaning. Pay attention to the materials you’re handling – for instance, if you suspect a nickel allergy, try to avoid wearing jewellery containing it.

At night, consider applying a thick layer of moisturiser and wearing cotton gloves to help the cream absorb better. It’s a simple trick that can make a noticeable difference.

Taking care of your hands is an ongoing process. Being consistent with your routine and understanding your triggers are key to keeping those itchy, uncomfortable flare-ups at bay. Dealing with hand eczema can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and care, it’s definitely manageable. Keep it real, keep it fresh, and keep those hands moisturised!

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FAQs

Q: What does hand eczema look like?

A: Hand eczema can show up in a few different ways, which is why it can sometimes be confusing. You might see dry, flaky skin that feels rough. Intense itching is a big sign. Often, there are red patches, and sometimes you’ll even get small bumps or blisters. If it’s been going on for a while, the skin can get cracked and even feel a bit thick or leathery.

Q: Is hand eczema a fungal infection?

A: No, hand eczema is not a fungal infection. It’s an inflammatory skin condition, meaning it’s caused by irritation or an allergic reaction, or sometimes it just flares up on its own. While fungal infections on the hands can look similar, they’re caused by a completely different thing – a fungus.

Q: Can hand eczema spread?

A: Hand eczema itself cannot spread to other people. It’s not contagious. However, if you scratch your itchy eczema a lot and break the skin, there’s a small chance of a secondary bacterial infection developing, which could potentially spread if not treated. But the eczema itself? No, that stays with the person who has it.

Q: How do you treat eczema on your hands?

A: Treating hand eczema usually involves a few different things. Keeping your hands moisturised is key – use thick creams or ointments regularly, especially after washing. If it’s very itchy and inflamed, your doctor might prescribe a topical steroid cream to calm things down. Sometimes, if we think there might be an allergy involved, we’ll look into identifying and avoiding those triggers. For more stubborn cases, other treatments like light therapy are also options. It really depends on how severe it is.

Q: Is hand eczema contagious?

A: No, hand eczema is not contagious. It’s an inflammatory condition and cannot be spread from person to person.

Q: Can stress cause hand eczema?

A: While stress doesn’t directly cause hand eczema, it can certainly trigger or worsen flare-ups. Managing stress can be an important part of managing your eczema.

Q: What kind of soap is best for hand eczema?

A: Look for gentle, fragrance-free, and dye-free soaps. Avoid harsh soaps that can strip your skin of its natural oils.

Q:  How often should I moisturise my hands if I have eczema?

A: As often as needed!  Ideally, after every time you wash your hands, and whenever your skin feels dry. Keep a moisturiser handy at all times.

Q: Can hand sanitiser make my eczema worse?

A: Alcohol-based hand sanitisers can dry out the skin and potentially irritate eczema. If you need to use hand sanitiser, apply a moisturiser immediately afterwards. Washing with mild soap and water is often a better option if available. You might find /surprising-ways-sugar-causes-skin-aging/ interesting to read to understand the impact of diet on skin health as well.


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