Hand contact dermatitis can be a painful and irritating condition if left untreated. Discover the causes, symptoms and most effective treatment options in this informative guide.
What is hand contact dermatitis?
Hand contact dermatitis is a condition that occurs when the skin comes into contact with certain substances, which then leads to redness, itching and blisters forming on the hands. The problem occurs when the hands are exposed to chemicals that irritate the skin and are prone to causing eczema flare-ups. These substances include household items such as detergents, hand soaps, metals and even certain plants. Hand dermatitis is a chronic condition that can prove debilitating if left untreated, so it is essential to identify these potential triggers in order to manage this condition effectively and avoid potential flare-ups.
What triggers dermatitis on hands?
There are a variety of reasons that may cause someone to have hand contact dermatitis, one of the reasons is genetics. Although external factors can play a significant role in the development of this condition, it is also worth noting that genetic factors can also have a significant impact. Research has shown that those who have a family history of hand contact dermatitis or even eczema are more prone to developing the condition in comparison to those that don’t.
Additionally, the exposure to harmful chemicals is also one of the main reasons for developing the condition. The chemicals that could cause a potential flare-up include:
Solvents: these are commonly found in cleaning products and paints. They tend to drain the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation.
Detergents: these are found in a variety of household cleaning products, such as washing up liquid and laundry detergents. They contain harsh chemicals which can irritate the skin.
Fragrances: They can often be found in different soaps, lotions, and other healthcare products. Fragrances can cause a flare-up for individuals with very sensitive skin.
Acids: Acids such as Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are both likely to irritate your skin. These can be found in everyday household items and condiments.
These substances are often hard to avoid as they are used frequently in our daily lives, so it is important to implement key preventative measures when handling these products in order to avoid irritating your skin.
What does hand contact dermatitis look like?
Symptoms can vary dependent on the severity of the flare-up, the most common symptom is redness of the skin, which can lead to an uncomfortable itching or burning sensation. Other symptoms include painful small blisters which are filled with clear fluid and may eventually burst, leading to the formation of scales in the affected area.
It can often be tempting to pop these blisters; however, this can often lead to further irritation and even infection.
It is important to act as soon as you recognise the symptoms in order to manage the condition more efficiently and avoid more discomfort. Although it is a chronic condition, implementing key preventative measures and effective management can seriously alleviate symptoms and allow sufferers to live relatively eczema-free.
How do you treat contact dermatitis on hands?
Avoid exposure to certain substances
Since one of the main triggers for this condition is the exposure to certain chemicals, it is important to avoid exposure to these chemicals in your daily routine. Frequent hand washing with hand soaps that contain harsh chemicals could cause potential flare-ups and exacerbate your eczema symptoms. It is essential to take into consideration the type of hand soap that you use and ensure there are no irritants in its contents that could cause an eczema flare-up.
Potential irritants in hand soaps are chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Parabens. This not only applies to hand washing but also applies to the type of shampoo and body wash that is used when showering. It is essential to look out for these two chemicals in any household products that you use and find a suitable alternative in order to avoid frequent flare-ups. If you would like some recommendations for eczema friendly hand soap alternatives, then check out my best soaps for hand eczema article, which recommends SLS and Paraben free products.
It is also essential to wear rubber gloves when washing the dishes or cleaning surfaces in order to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals that could cause irritation to the skin such as solvents and detergents.
Apply a moisturizer
Dry, cracked skin needs to be moisturized frequently in order to lock the moisture back into the skin and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The best cream for contact dermatitis is an emollient moisturizer which needs to be applied to the affected area throughout the day, however, this can often be difficult as we need to use our hands frequently. The best time to apply is when the skin is most dried out, this normally occurs after the skin is exposed to heat in the shower or during handwashing. Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to the affected area after each shower and handwash in order to keep the hands hydrated and to alleviate symptoms.
In addition, it is also advisable to apply a generous amount of moisturizer or healing ointment to the hands before going to sleep so that the skin can repair overnight and feel hydrated by the time you wake up. It is best to do this with the use of 100% cotton gloves so that the skin can absorb all the moisture and fully repair. This often proves to be quite a practical technique as it ensures your hands are soothed and hydrated by the time you wake up.
Avoid very hot temperatures
It is worth noting that very hot temperatures can worsen the symptoms of this condition; high temperatures can lead to increased itching, redness and overall discomfort. Additionally, hot temperatures can make the skin become more sensitive, making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens. When it comes to hand washing and showering, it is recommended to use lukewarm water and reduce the amount of time spent showering as much as possible. When the skin is exposed to heat in the shower or whilst hand washing, it can become dry and dehydrated which can exacerbate eczema symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation.
On the contrary, very cold temperatures can also exacerbate the symptoms of hand contact dermatitis. When exposed to cold temperatures, the skin is more prone to losing moisture which leads to it becoming dry and cracked. In addition, cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin and preventing its ability to heal. It is essential to take key preventative measures in cold temperatures in order to avoid flare ups; this includes wearing appropriate clothing such as gloves and applying moisturizer in order to keep the hands hydrated.
How to combat extreme cases
It is worth nothing that cases of hand contact dermatitis can vary in severity and more extreme cases may require a different approach. Although the standard treatment options and preventative measures may work for most cases, they may not work so effectively if symptoms are very aggressive. More severe cases will require stronger medication to quickly alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms. In this context, it is recommended to use topical steroids such as hydrocortisone cream in order to quickly ease symptoms; it is worth bearing in mind that these creams are high-strength and can only be applied once or twice a day on the affected area.
It’s important to follow your dermatologist’s instructions when using these types of medications and to use them consistently for the best results. In addition, if you choose to use moisturizes as well as topical steroids, it is recommended that they are fragrance free and gentle on the skin in order to avoid further irritation. If none of the treatments above help ease symptoms, it may be worth seeking advice from a dermatologist so they can formulate a personalized plan.