Hand eczema, also called hand dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy rashes on the hands. The skin may blister and crack, and the condition can be painful.

Hand eczema is not contagious, meaning it does not pass from person to person. Stress and exposure to irritants and external allergens can trigger or worsen the condition.

Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms and causes of hand eczema. This article also looks at how doctors diagnose the condition, treatment options, and more.

View the slideshow below for photos of eczema on the hands and fingers.

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The symptoms of eczema on the hands can differ from person to person, depending on age, medical history, and various life factors. The American Academy of Dermatology Association states that dry, chapped skin is often the first symptom that leads to a diagnosis.

Other common symptoms of hand eczema include:

The exact cause of eczema is unknown. Researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors are involved.

Certain factors may trigger or worsen hand eczema:

Chemicals and irritants

Frequent exposure to chemicals and irritants can trigger eczema. Examples include:

  • solvents
  • detergents
  • heat

The condition tends to be more common in people who work in certain industries, such as:

  • healthcare
  • hairdressing
  • cleaning
  • construction
  • manufacturing

Water

Frequently washing and drying the hands may increase the risk of developing hand eczema, as water can irritate the skin.

Even when a person dries their hands, some water remains on the skin. As this evaporates, it reduces the skin’s natural oils. Continually washing the hands with hot water can further decrease these oils and trigger eczema. It is best to opt for lukewarm water instead.

In addition, continually washing the hands and having a weakened skin barrier can make a person more proneTrusted Source to developing an allergy to something they come into contact with, which can lead to allergic contact dermatitis.

Stress

When a person is experiencing stress, the body produces two hormones called cortisol and epinephrine. These suppress the immune system and cause skin inflammation.

Sometimes, high levels of stress can cause a person to develop dyshidrotic eczema. This is a common form of eczema that causes itchy blisters on the skin.

Cold temperatures and dehydration

Cold temperatures in winter can dehydrate the skin and trigger eczema flares.

Dry air and abrupt temperature changes can also affect eczema. This can happen when a person moves from the cold outdoors to a space with indoor heating. The air from heaters can dry the skin further.

Learn more about dry skin in winter.

It may be possible to diagnose eczema on the hands based on:

  • the appearace of symptoms
  • an individual’s medical history
  • whether the individual engages in activities that commonly trigger eczema

In some cases, a person may require allergy patch tests or a punch biopsy to help confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause.

Learn more about skin biopsies for eczema.

Treatment for eczema on the hands and fingers focuses on avoiding triggers and managing symptoms.

A key initial step is to discover the triggering irritants or allergens and avoid them. A healthcare professional may administer a patch test to help identify these triggers.

Below are some medications and natural remedies that doctors may recommend for hand eczema.

Medical treatments

Some medical treatments that can help treat hand eczema include:

  • Topical corticosteroids: These creams are a common treatmentTrusted Source for many types of eczema. However, some are highly potent and can cause unwanted side effects, such as skin thinning. A person should only use these medications as a doctor prescribes them.
  • Calcineurin inhibitors: Calcineurin inhibitors can suppressTrusted Source the immune system to help reduce inflammation and itchiness, which can help with managing eczema symptoms. Unlike topical corticosteroids, they do not cause skin thinning or similar side effects.
  • Antihistamine tablets: Some people take sedating antihistamines to help reduce the itchiness. These can cause drowsiness and impaired coordination, so a doctor may recommend only taking them before bed.
  • Topical antibiotics: Topical antibiotics can treat open fissures and bacterial infections associated with hand eczema. However, over-the-counter antibiotics can trigger eczema, so it is important to check with a doctor first.
  • UV therapy: This may help reduce itchiness and inflammation in moderate hand eczema.
  • Emollients: Emollients moisturize the hands to help heal cracked skin. A person can soak the hands in water, pat them dry, and then apply the moisturizer. Wearing gloves immediately afterward can help
  • Biologics: Manufacturers make biologics from complex molecules derived from living organisms. Those that can treat eczema include dupilumab.

Natural remedies

The following natural remedies may help with some symptoms of hand eczema:

  • Wet compresses: These can reduce inflammation and help soothe itchiness.
  • Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. A 2019 studyTrusted Source found that it also helps wounds heal.
  • Honey: A 2020 mini-reviewTrusted Source reported on studies that showed how honey, including Manuka honey, helped reduce eczema lesions and heal burns and wounds.
  • Moisturizing the skin regularly: This relieves dryness and supports the skin barrier, which can help prevent infection.
  • Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which can help fight off bacteria and viruses. A person may choose to use coconut oil for managing eczema.
  • Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It also works as a moisturizer when a person applies it to wet skin, particularly after bathing.
  • Oatmeal baths: People have been using oatmeal as a skin protectant for centuries. Oatmeal baths can reduce skin itchiness and discomfort.

Learn more about natural remedies for eczema.

While it may not be possible to completely prevent eczema, a doctor may recommend the following tips to help reduce the likelihood or manage the severity of eczema flares:

  • avoiding allergens and irritants
  • wearing gloves when washing the dishes
  • using mild soaps and detergents without perfumes
  • applying moisturizer after washing the hands
  • bathing and showering in warm water rather than hot water
  • having a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as vegetables, fish, beans, and leafy greens
  • staying hydrated

It is important to help children with eczema keep their skin moisturized all year round.

It is best to contact a doctor if a person develops new or worsening symptoms of eczema. If a current treatment plan for eczema is ineffective, a doctor can recommend other approaches.

It is especially important to receive professional care if an area of eczema becomes infected.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause itchy blisters, rashes, cracking, and inflammation on the hands and fingers.

Medications and natural remedies can help soothe the inflammation and treat or prevent infection and flares. A doctor can recommend a suitable treatment plan, which may include oral and topical medications, moisturizers, and avoiding triggers.