Hand Eczema | Eczema on Hands | National Eczema Association

Hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, is a common condition that affects about 10% of the U.S. population. Both genetics and contact allergens (irritating substances) play a role in triggering this form of eczema. It often affects people who work in cleaning, catering, hairdressing, healthcare and mechanical jobs where they may come into contact with chemicals and other irritants.

Hand eczema isnt contagious. You cannot catch it from another person, or give it to someone else. Even so, the symptoms of hand eczema can impact a persons self-esteem and their ability to perform on the job.

All types of eczema cause itching and redness of the skin. But some, like hand eczema, look and act slightly different than others.

Some symptoms of hand eczema:

Irritant contact dermatitis on the fingers and spaces in between them, caused by contact with allergens and irritating substances like chemicals.

There is another specific type of hand eczema called pompholyx or dyshidrotic eczema, which causes small, itchy blisters to appear on the palms of the hands. Dyshidrotic eczema tends to affect women more than men. If you think that you might have dyshidrotic eczema, make an appointment with your doctor.

Knowing which substances trigger your skin so that you can avoid them, and protecting your hands at home and at work, can help guard your skin against further irritation.The most important thing to remember is to be consistent a daily routine for care and control is the best defense.

If you believe that a substance at home or at work is causing your hand eczema, your doctor can do a patch test to see which allergens or irritants may be the problem. Your doctor can also help pinpoint behaviors or practices that may be contributing to your hand eczema and help you find ways to modify or avoid them.

Some basic things you can do at home to help control your hand eczema:

Some basic things you can do at work to help control your hand eczema:

Remember that it can take a few months for a flare-up to clear. Even if your hands appear eczema-free, you will sometimes need to take special care with them to avoid a return of symptoms.

Learn more about how to control and treat eczema.

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Hand Eczema | Eczema on Hands | National Eczema Association