Allergy, fungus, contact with irritants, or skin disease? There are many problems that your hands can have, and finding the specific cause is essential to reach a fast and effective treatment.
If you are suffering from a rash on your hands and do not know why or what you should do to cure it, continue reading this article by FastlyHealin which we explain why you get a rash on your hands, how to treat it, and what home remedies can help you find relief.
Table of Contents
Why do I get a rash on my hands: it causes
Hand rash can be caused by many different diseases that affect only the skin of the hands or other areas. Among them, we can find:
- Atopic eczema: the skin overreacts to a substance that does not cause harm to other people, such as when it comes into contact with latex or benzocaine.
- Nummular dermatitis: these are lesions that begin as blisters that, when broken, form large scabs. It is very itchy and, in addition to the hands, it can appear in other areas of the arms and legs. Its exact origin is not known.
- Hyperkeratotic eczema: they are yellowish and brownish plaques on the palms of the hands. Its cause is unknown.
- Scabies: also known as scabies, it is caused by a mite. It is not necessary to be highly unhygienic to suffer it. Lesions occur between the fingers, wrists, and even the genitals.
- Contact dermatitis: it occurs in people who, generally due to their work (hairdressing, nursing, painters, etc.), keep their hands damp for a long time, permanently wear occlusive gloves, or are in contact with irritants (chemicals, cosmetics, soaps, plants …).
- Foot-hand-mouth disease: caused by a virus, it appears in children as a rash in these areas.
- Fungal infection: fungi can be located only on the hands and, depending on the type, it will be the rash that occurs. The lesions, in this case, are usually mainly in the interdigital area.
- Acral erythema or hand and foot syndrome: a rash that occurs from chemotherapy drugs.
- Dyshidrotic eczema – Starts as blisters on the palms and between the fingers, which are very itchy, then leave scales and redness in place. Symptoms are intermittent (lasting several weeks and then disappearing).
- Psoriasis: is an inflammatory disease in which the skin appears red and scaly. It has different ways of presenting itself in other areas of the skin and can affect the hands and even the nails. When it affects only the palms of the hands, it can be confused with another dermatitis.
Hand Rash: Medical Treatment
As a first step, you should consult with your trusted doctor; both the family doctor and the dermatology specialist are indicated to help you solve the problem. The idea is to consult them as quickly as possible since rashes on the hands are generally easier to resolve the less time has passed. Among the measures that can include the treatment of the inflammation of the hands, we can mention:
- Avoid irritants: it is the first step when a particular substance is suspected, and, ultimately, it is the most important thing to solve your problem.
- Wear cotton gloves under latex or plastic gloves: they should be worn for a short time, and when the cotton glove gets wet, it should be changed.
- Use emollient cream: the ideal is rich in lipids (fats) that do not have fragrances and few additives and preservatives. All these chemicals also cause irritation and a greater risk of allergy.
- In those people who must wash their hands frequently, it has been found that replacing soap and water with glycerin disinfectants can reduce skin irritation. The following frequency can be used in medical settings: every 10 hand cleanings with disinfectants, perform a hand wash with soap and water. When soap must be used, those without perfumes or dyes are preferable; the most natural ones are the best, and even white laundry soap is healthier.
On the other hand, your doctor may prescribe any of the following medications, which will depend on the cause and severity of the rash:
- Topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antifungals, antibiotics, and potassium permanganate compresses, among others. Corticosteroids should be used for short periods since, in the long term, they can cause skin damage, accustoming (whereby the same dose will no longer have an effect), and rebound effect (symptoms can worsen when used). The same occurs with oral corticosteroids, used when there is no improvement with local treatments. It is also possible to use another type of medication by mouth (such as immunosuppressants or retinoids); the problem with these drugs is that they usually provide a temporary solution to the problem with the risk of significant adverse effects. The only retinoid that has been more effective is alitretinoin, which can be used for a little longer, but is always under dermatological control.
- Treatment with ultraviolet radiation: it is a costly and slow treatment that, in addition, with prolonged use, increases the possibility of skin cancer, which is not highly recommended.
Hand Rash: Home Remedies
Drinking the infusions of different herbs will help you improve the rash on your hands, including:
- Yarrow: prepare it with 15-20 grams of leaves per liter of water, drink several cups per day and apply it to the rash.
- Burdock: add 20 grams of leaves to boiling water. Of this infusion, you can drink 2 or 3 cups a day and, in addition, use it as a lotion on your hands.
- Wild pansy: several cups a day of an infusion prepared with 15 grams of wild pansy can help you.
You can also wash the affected skin with a thyme-based infusion (10 grams in 1 liter of water).
Then apply a natural moisturizer, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. They are natural oils that provide the hydration that the skin needs, and you can apply them several times a day.
In general, all raw fruits and vegetables are essential; as particular advice, you should not mix acidic fruits (pineapple, orange) with others; you should also avoid vinegar and spicy ones. Avoid all kinds of food intoxicants: colorants, preservatives, flavorings, especially dairy and gluten, as they perpetuate any inflammation.
The lemon is vital to cure the rash hands. It would help if you consumed it frequently in freshly squeezed juice, away from meals (1 hour before or 2 hours after); you can even make a lemon cure for ten days by drinking this juice and accompanying it with a healthy diet.
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 Rash on the hands: causes, treatment, and home remedies , we recommend that you enter our category of Skin, hair and nails .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.