Hand
Dermatitis
Also
known as:
Eczema
What is
it?
Hand
dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin on the hands
that occurs when the hand touches a substance that is
an irritant or triggers an allergic reaction.
Who gets
it?
Hand
dermatitis is a common skin condition. People whose
professions put them in frequent contact with wet or
irritating substances, such as cleaning fluids, nail
polish remover, and other chemicals; people who wash
their hands repeatedly; and those whose work requires
frequent contact with metals are at an increased risk
of developing this condition.
What
causes it?
Hand
dermatitis can be caused by contact with an irritant,
an allergic reaction to a substance, or an inherited
condition. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) of the
hands is most often caused by detergents, certain
types of metals, soaps, strong chemicals, and solvents
that, either immediately or after repeated exposure,
irritate the skin. These substances can break down the
skin’s natural barrier of protection. Other irritants
include repeated friction, wind, and cold. Allergic
contact dermatitis (ACD) of the hands occurs when a
substance called an allergen triggers the body’s
immune response. The immune system produces antibodies
and other disease fighting cells in response to the
allergen. The antibodies release chemicals that
actually injure the surrounding cells and cause the
physical symptoms of an allergic reaction. The most
common causes of ACD are latex, found in medical
gloves and condoms; fragrances and other substances
found in cosmetics and skin creams; metals, such as
nickel found in jewelry; plants, such as poison ivy,
poison oak, and poison sumac; and chemicals used in
the clothing manufacturing process. You can have an
allergic reaction to a substance after repeated
exposure, even though it never caused a reaction
before. The tendency to have some forms of hand
dermatitis can be inherited at birth. These patients
are likely to have certain hypersensitivity reactions,
such as asthma or hay fever, when exposed to specific
triggers called antigens. This is called atopic hand
dermatitis. Certain types of fungal infections, such
as tinea pedis, can also cause hand dermatitis.
What are
the symptoms?
The
symptoms of hand dermatitis can range from a mild,
itchy rash to severe itching, swelling, and
blistering. In severe cases, open sores can result in
bacterial skin infections. Irritant contact dermatitis
usually affects the top of the hand, often appearing
as dry, chapped skin around the knuckles and tops of
the fingers. If caused by metals, the irritation
appears under a ring. Allergic contact dermatitis also
usually appears on the top of the hand and around the
fingers. Contact with a poisonous plant causes
blistering and weeping, while other types of allergic
contact dermatitis may cause a chronic skin rash.
Atopic hand dermatitis also causes a chronic rash.
When hand dermatitis is caused by a fungal infection,
the symptoms include itchy blisters along the sides of
the fingers.
How is it
diagnosed?
Hand
dermatitis is diagnosed according to a pattern of
symptoms. Your doctor will take a complete medical
history and ask you questions about the types of
substances you have regular contact with or had
contact with right before the symptoms appeared, how
long your symptoms have been occurring, and whether
you have eczema on other parts of your body. If your
doctor suspects allergic contact dermatitis, but it is
difficult to identify the allergen, he or she may
perform a patch test. The doctor will place a small
patch on your skin for a period of two days. The patch
contains some common allergens that cause contact
dermatitis of the hand. After the patch is removed,
the doctor will check for a reaction over the next few
days.
What is
the treatment?
To treat
hand dermatitis, you must avoid contact with the
substance that irritates your skin. Your doctor can
recommend ointments or lotions, usually topical
corticosteroids, to relieve itching and irritation
until the symptoms go away. He or she will also
recommend that you keep your hands well lubricated and
try not to wash your hands too frequently. If you have
severe swelling and/or itching, your doctor may
prescribe oral corticosteroids or antihistamines, as
well as medicated soaks to dry out the blisters.
Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial skin
infections.
Self-care
tips
Avoid any
substances that you know irritate your skin or trigger
an allergic reaction. In some cases, washing
thoroughly with soap and water after contacting a
substance, such as a poisonous plant, can prevent or
minimize symptoms. If your profession requires
frequent exposure to water, chemicals, cold, or
friction, wear waterproof gloves or heavy work gloves
to protect the hands.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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