Hand eczema

The hands are one of the most common parts of the body to be affected by eczema. Hand eczema is also known as hand dermatitis. If you have had it for some time, it may be called chronic hand eczema (CHE); the term, ‘chronic’ simply means long-term.

Several different types of eczema can affect the hands, and more than one type can occur in the same person at the same time. For example, someone with atopic eczema may also have irritant contact eczema of the hands from using too much soap, or an allergic contact eczema from fragrance in a moisturiser.

It has been reported that up to 10% of the population (1 in every 10 people) may suffer from hand eczema, so if you suffer from it, you’re not alone.

Hand eczema is even more common in certain jobs - up to 30% (almost one third) of high-risk groups, such as nurses, suffer from it.

The reason why hands are so commonly involved is that we do so much with them in everyday life, exposing them to the climate, water, soap, harsh chemicals and the wear and tear of manual work and hobbies, such as gardening.

When hands are affected by eczema, the skin becomes red, dry, itchy and blistered. Simple everyday tasks can become extremely difficult. Cracked skin can be painful and even a small amount of eczema on the fingertips can be surprisingly troublesome, but there are things you can do to help.

Avoid things that you know can trigger an eczema attack, and moisturise regularly with an emollient (softening and soothing skin product) to help to prevent and manage a mild attack. Choose a simple product that is free from fragrances and preservatives - the fewer ingredients, the better. Because the skin on palms of the hands is thicker than on most parts of the body, mild steroid creams are often too weak to settle an attack. Stronger steroids may be needed, but should only be used under medical guidance. In more severe long-standing cases, steroid tablets, retinoid tablets, immunosuppressants (treatments that control the skin’s immune responses), antibiotics, or ultraviolet (UV) light treatment may be more appropriate.

However, what works for one person doesn’t always work for another, so you will need to work with your healthcare professional to find a treatment that suits you.