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Eczema can cause pain and discomfort on any part of the body, but when it affects the hands, it becomes a much more complicated issue. Regardless of whether the eczema is caused by irritants, allergens, or genetic factors, there are ways to manage it. One of the first steps is to visit a doctor to confirm that your condition is indeed eczema. Additionally, the doctor may run tests to identify what triggers the eczema. Once the cause is determined, treatments like corticosteroid creams, antibiotics, cold compresses, or changes to your daily products may be recommended. Continue reading below to learn how to treat eczema on your hands.
Steps
Identifying Eczema on the Hands
Look for eczema symptoms. Eczema on the hands or fingers is a common condition. If you suspect you may have eczema, it is important to get a professional diagnosis and appropriate treatment. You might have eczema if you notice any of the following symptoms on your hands or fingers:
- Redness
- Itching
- Pain
- Extremely dry skin
- Cracking
- Bumps or blisters
Determine if eczema is caused by irritants. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type of hand eczema. This type occurs when your skin is repeatedly exposed to an irritant over a prolonged period. Irritating substances can be anything that frequently comes into contact with the skin, including cleaning products, chemicals, foods, metals, plastics, and even water. Symptoms of this type of eczema include:
- Cracked, red skin on the fingertips and the webbed area between fingers
- Itchy, prickly sensations and heat when in contact with the irritant
Determine if eczema is caused by an allergic reaction. Some people suffer from a form of eczema known as allergic contact dermatitis. This occurs when your body reacts to an allergen such as soap, dyes, fragrances, rubber, or even certain plants. Symptoms of this eczema typically appear on the palm's inner side and fingertips, but they can occur anywhere on the hand. These symptoms include:
- Blisters, itching, swelling, and redness shortly after coming into contact with the allergen
- Peeling, flaking, and cracked skin
- Darkening and/or thickening of the skin after prolonged exposure to the allergen
Determine if eczema is caused by atopic dermatitis. Hand eczema caused by atopic dermatitis is more common in children, though adults can develop it as well. If you notice eczema symptoms on your hands and other parts of your body, atopic dermatitis could be the cause. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:
- Intense itching lasting for days or weeks
- Thickened skin
- Skin lesions
Treating Eczema on the Hands
Seek medical attention as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis. Before starting any treatment, you should visit a doctor to confirm that your symptoms are indeed eczema and not caused by another condition, such as psoriasis or a fungal infection. Your doctor will help you determine the best treatment plan or refer you to a specialist if the eczema is particularly severe.
Consult with a doctor about patch testing for allergies. To identify the cause of eczema, a doctor may perform patch testing to find out which substance triggers the allergic reaction. If you suspect an allergen is causing your hand eczema, inform your doctor so they can proceed with the patch test. The results will reveal which substance causes the eczema, helping you avoid contact with it in the future.
- In this test, the doctor applies substances onto patches and places them on your skin (or uses multiple patches with different substances) to determine which one is responsible for the eczema. The test itself is painless, but you may experience irritation or discomfort depending on how your skin reacts to the allergens.
- Nickel is a common irritant that can trigger eczema flare-ups. The patch test can detect if nickel is the cause.
- You should also prepare a list of products you frequently use near or on your hands, such as soaps, moisturizers, cleaning agents, and any special substances you might have come into contact with at work or during household chores.
Consider using 1% hydrocortisone ointment. Your doctor might recommend using 1% hydrocortisone ointment to treat eczema. This ointment is available over-the-counter or by prescription, depending on the formulation. If unsure about which product to purchase, seek guidance from your doctor.
- Most hydrocortisone ointments should be applied to damp skin, such as after a shower or hand washing. Follow the instructions provided with the product when buying.
- In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a stronger corticosteroid ointment, but this requires a prescription.
Apply cold compresses to relieve itching. Eczema often causes intense itching, but it's important not to scratch. Scratching can worsen the condition and even cause skin damage or infection. If the itching becomes unbearable, a cold compress can help soothe the area.
- To make a cold compress, simply wrap an ice pack in a hand towel or large tissue.
- Additionally, trim and file your nails to avoid accidentally scratching and worsening your eczema.
Consider taking antihistamines. In certain cases, oral antihistamines can help treat eczema on the hands. Keep in mind that these medications can cause drowsiness, so avoid taking them during the day when you have tasks to complete. Consult with your doctor to determine if antihistamines are an appropriate solution for your situation.
Consult your doctor about antibiotic treatment. Sometimes eczema can lead to an infection due to blisters and cracks that form open wounds on the skin. If your skin becomes red, swollen, hot, or painful, or if your condition doesn't improve with eczema treatments, you may have an infection. However, you should consult your doctor before taking antibiotics to treat any infection caused by eczema.
- Do not take antibiotics unless prescribed by your doctor. Using antibiotics unnecessarily will reduce their effectiveness when you actually need them.
- Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Even if the infection seems to have improved, stopping the medication prematurely can lead to a relapse, making it harder to treat the infection later.
Consult your doctor about prescription medications. Sometimes, hand eczema cannot be treated with over-the-counter topical treatments. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe systemic corticosteroids (affecting the entire body) or immunosuppressive drugs. These should not be considered unless you've tried other treatment options, as they can have significant side effects.
Consider topical immunomodulators. If eczema cannot be treated with any other methods, you should ask your doctor about prescription topical immunomodulator creams. Elidel and Protopic are FDA-approved for treating eczema. These medications alter how the immune system interacts with certain substances and may be effective if other treatments fail.
- While these topical immunomodulators are generally safe, they can cause rare side effects, so they should be considered only as a last resort.
Explore phototherapy options. Some skin conditions, including eczema, respond well to phototherapy, which involves controlled exposure to ultraviolet light. It is recommended to pursue this treatment after topical treatments have been unsuccessful but before considering systemic therapies.
- Phototherapy is effective in 60-70% of patients but requires consistent treatment over several months before noticeable results are seen.
Preventing Hand Eczema
Minimize exposure to eczema triggers. After receiving the results of your patch test, you'll know which substances cause or worsen your eczema. At this point, you should make every effort to avoid these triggers. Switch to different cleaning products, have someone else handle food items that cause flare-ups, or wear gloves to create a barrier between your hands and the irritants.
Choose fragrance-free soap and moisturizers that do not contain strong scents or dyes. Dyes and fragrances in soaps and moisturizers are common triggers for eczema on the hands. Therefore, avoid any products with artificial scents or colors. Opt for items designed for sensitive skin or those made from natural ingredients. If you know which soap or moisturizer exacerbates your eczema, do not use them.
- Consider using pure petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as a moisturizer, as it’s less likely to cause allergic reactions and provides better hydration.
- Avoid washing your hands too often. While it’s important to wash your hands to remove irritants after exposure, over-washing can worsen eczema. Only wash your hands when necessary.
Keep your hands dry. Hands that are frequently wet are more prone to developing eczema. If you spend a lot of time doing tasks like dishwashing or other water-related activities, it’s best to reduce these activities or take measures to prevent your hands from becoming damp. For instance, consider using a dishwasher instead of washing by hand, or at least wear gloves to keep your hands dry.
- Dry your hands thoroughly after washing or when they become wet, making sure both hands are completely dry.
- Take quick showers to minimize the time your hands are exposed to water.
Regularly moisturize your hands. Using a good moisturizer is essential for preventing eczema. However, it’s crucial to choose one that won’t irritate your skin. Ointment-based moisturizers are the best choice for hand eczema as they provide better hydration and cause less itching or burning when applied to irritated skin. Always carry a moisturizer to ensure your hands remain well-hydrated. Apply it every time you wash your hands or feel your skin drying out.
- Ask your doctor to prescribe a stronger moisturizer, like Tetrix, which can be far more effective than store-bought creams.
Wear cotton-lined gloves when handling irritants or allergens. If avoiding chemicals and other irritants is not possible, you should wear rubber gloves lined with cotton to protect your hands. Always wear gloves when you need to handle such substances.
- If necessary, wash the gloves with fragrance-free and dye-free soap. Turn them inside out and allow them to dry completely before using them again.
- If you need gloves for both cooking and cleaning, buy separate pairs for each task.
Remove rings before handling irritants or allergens. Rings can trap substances between the ring and your skin, aggravating eczema in the area underneath the ring and around it. Be sure to remove your rings before coming into contact with irritants, washing clothes, or applying moisturizers.
Consult your doctor before soaking your hands in a bleach solution to treat eczema. A very diluted bleach solution mixed with water may help reduce bacteria on your hands, which can be beneficial for individuals with eczema. However, if bleach is the trigger for your eczema, you should avoid using this method. Always consult your doctor before incorporating bleach solution washes into your daily routine.
- Remember to dilute the bleach properly before use. A typical dilution would be about 1/2 teaspoon of bleach in nearly 4 liters of water.
- Be cautious not to spill bleach on clothes, carpets, or any areas where it may cause discoloration.
Manage stress effectively. In some cases, stress can trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups. To address this, incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Regular exercise and setting aside time each day for relaxation can be helpful. You might want to try activities such as yoga, deep breathing, or meditation to promote relaxation.
Advice
- Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom, especially in dry climates or during the dry season. Keeping the air moist can help alleviate eczema symptoms.
- Contact your doctor if your eczema worsens or does not improve after treatment.
- Remember that treating eczema requires time, and the condition may not be fully cured. It’s essential to find the treatment that works best for you and stick with it until the condition improves.
