Home Skin CareEczema Dermatitis on the hands: causes, treatment and home remedies

Dermatitis on the hands: causes, treatment and home remedies

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

The hands are an essential part of the body since they perform functions such as grasping skills, communication, and expression. Hands are business cards so any condition can limit their standard functionality.

When the hands contact some foreign agent or aggressor, a strange reaction known as Dermatitis can be reflected. It is also known as eczema, contact dermatitis, or atopic Dermatitis. It is easily recognizable when typical symptoms such as redness of the hands, irritation, inflammation, cracks, and intense itching are manifested. This can happen immediately after the approach or even up to 12 hours after having contacted the offending agent. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will clear up all your doubts and talk to you about Dermatitis on the hands: causes, treatment, and home remedies.

Dermatitis on the hands: causes

The skin of the hands is much more sensitive and delicate than that of the rest of the body; in addition, it is exposed to different substances that can irritate it repeatedly.

Talking about Dermatitis or eczema on the hands is usually related to an inflammatory allergic reaction of the skin, triggered by contact with foreign agents or substances, this being a persistent annoyance. According to the Argentine Dermatological Society, contact dermatitis on the hands is frequent, between 65 and 70% of cases[1] Hand dermatitis or eczema is relatively common; it affects between 2 and 7% of the population. [2]

Having this condition is also related to multiple predisposing factors, including:

  • Genetic predisposition.
  • Stress.
  • Contact with irritating products such as chlorine, solvents, and inks.
  • Frequent exposure to cold or heat.
  • Frequent friction of the skin.
  • Excess of washes.

The skin has natural protection that is removed by exposure to different substances generating dehydration on the surface of the epidermis, producing dryness and, in turn, being completely unprotected, being susceptible to other microorganisms that can affect it even more. The people most vulnerable to suffering from Dermatitis on the hands are:

  • Homemakers.
  • Painters.
  • Butchers.
  • Hairdressers.
  • Health personnel.
  • Cleaning employees.

According to the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, in a study carried out about the epidemiology of contact eczema in Spain, the most frequent allergens were [3] :

  • Nickel sulfate by 25.8%.
  • Potassium dichromate by 5.31%.
  • Fragrance blends by 4.64%.

Dermatitis on the hands: symptoms

It is easy to recognize the presence of Dermatitis on the hands since it is associated with symptoms such as:

  • Red hands.
  • Peeling of the skin
  • Dry.
  • Intense itching
  • Presence of cracks or fissures.
  • Swelling of the hands
  • Liquid exudation.
  • Vesicles or blisters.

These symptoms can manifest in a specific part of the hand (back, palm or sides), in one hand, or both hands.

Treatment for hand dermatitis

The ideal treatment for Dermatitis on the hands should be indicated by the dermatologist. However, the first step is to know the triggering factor of the Dermatitis; if this is the case, it is recommended to avoid exposure or contact with the offending substance.

The doctor may indicate some cream treatments to improve this condition:

  • Corticosteroid creams or ointments such as betamethasone are only under medical indication since excessive use generates side effects.
  • Moisturizing creams reduce irritation and sensitivity. This should be applied three times a day and regularly.
  • Faced with infectious processes and chronic allergic reactions, the doctor may indicate other medications such as prednisone, methotrexate, or cyclosporine.
  • In some cases, oral antihistamines are usually indicated to improve the condition.

Recommendations to improve Dermatitis on the hands

It is essential, in addition to complying with the treatment indicated by the doctor, to abide by some recommendations given to shorten the healing time. The best tips for hand dermatitis are:

  • Wash hands with soap and water without any perfume. It is recommended to be a small amount; it should be thoroughly dried with a clean towel, especially between the fingers.
  • Avoid contact with strong products such as solid detergents and cleaners.
  • Wear plastic gloves for cleaning activities.
  • Avoid direct hand contact with varnishes, shoe cream, and glass cleaner.
  • Do not apply hair dyes or creams directly with your hands.

Home remedies for hand dermatitis

In addition to medical treatment, this condition can be improved using the most effective natural remedies such as:

  • Honey: this is a natural ingredient commonly used in beauty routines that improves itching and helps the skin heal much faster. It can be diluted in warm water and massaged into the hands.
  • Aloe vera: or aloe as it is commonly known, this plant allows the regeneration of the skin and its hydration. It also helps soothe the itching characteristic of Dermatitis. The crystal should be removed and applied to the hands at night. In the following article, we will talk about the medicinal uses of aloe vera.
  • Oatmeal: this cereal has a moisturizing action; applied to the hands, it fights redness, flaking, dryness, and itching.
  • Chamomile: prepared in tea or infusion softens the skin and allows cell regeneration. It also calms the itching, inflammation, and burning in the hands caused by eczema.
  • Lavender oil: lavender stimulates tissue regeneration as well as wound healing. Lavender oil reduces itching, redness, and inflammation.

Hand dermatitis is not a severe condition, but it will require short-term treatment. If this condition does not improve, consult your treating physician for the use of other therapies if necessary.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Dermatitis on the hands: causes, treatment, and home remedies, we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .

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