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1. What causes hand
eczema?
In most cases an external "contact" rash or an internal
skin reaction causes hand eczema. Hand rashes are extremely common.
Numerous items can irritate skin including overexposure to water,
too much dry air, soaps, detergents, solvents, cleaning agents,
chemicals, rubber gloves, or even ingredients in skin and personal
care products. Often your skin will get better by changing products
or avoiding an ingredient completely. A tendency to get skin reactions
is often inherited. People with these tendencies may have a history
of hay fever, asthma or a sinus condition indicating a skin condition
called atopic dermatitis.
2. How do you find the
cause of hand eczema?
Could it be irritation? Could it be an allergy? Your dermatologist
will ask many questions about any previous rashes, whether you have
any history of hay fever, asthma or a sinus condition and any other
medical problems. He or she will also want to know what creams or
lotions you apply to your skin, whether or not you wear gloves,
and what kinds of things your hands are exposed to daily. If your
dermatologist suspects the rash is due to an allergy or some external
substance, a patch test may be done. This involves testing the skin
on your back to see what specific chemicals might be causing your
skin to break out.
3. How is hand eczema
treated?
A cortisone cream or ointment may be prescribed to promote healing
by decreasing inflammation in the skin. You can speed the healing
yourself by keeping your hands out of harsh chemicals and away from
other irritants. It's possible you may need an oral antibiotic if
an infection is present.
4. Is hand protection
really important?
Protect your hands against soaps, cleansers and other chemicals
by wearing vinyl gloves. Avoid rubber gloves since many people are
sensitive to them. Dry gloves out between cleaning jobs. Wear your
gloves even when folding laundry, peeling vegetables or handling
citrus fruits or tomatoes.
- Avoid hand washing dishes or clothes as much as
possible.
- When you wash your hands, use lukewarm water and
very little soap. Remove rings whenever washing or working with
your hands. They trap soap and moisture next to the skin.
- When outdoors in cool weather, wear unlined leather
gloves to prevent dry and chapped skin.
- If the type of work you do is affecting your hands,
talk to your supervisor about ways that you and other employees
can better protect their skin.
Remember!
Hand eczema sometimes temporarily looks worse while you are healing.
The eczema may come back. Try to remember which substance or what
activity triggered the recent "flare-up." Since many hand
eczemas can be stubborn, it's important to keep up with your medication,
stay in contact with your dermatologist, and do not get discouraged.
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