Treatment Options for Hand Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Expect

Appointments for “hand eczema” are available only at the dermatology outpatient department of IC Clinic Shinjuku.

“What are the symptoms of hand eczema?”
“What should I do if I develop hand eczema?”

If you are troubled by a skin condition affecting your hands, you are not alone.

Hand eczema is a skin condition in which the hands become rough due to a weakened skin barrier function.

This article explains the causes of hand eczema and how it is treated. The latter half also covers over-the-counter medications that may help and ways to prevent the condition, so please read on to the end.

What is hand eczema?

Hand eczema is a skin condition characterized by cracked skin and the formation of small blisters on the hands.

Excessive hand washing and exposure to detergent ingredients can strip the skin of its moisturizing components, leading to a weakened skin barrier function and the development of hand eczema.

Is stress related to hand eczema? Causes explained

The cause of hand eczema is skin dryness leading to a weakened skin barrier function. There is no established link with stress.

The skin on the hands and fingers has a thicker stratum corneum to help withstand external irritation.

However, frequent wet work or prolonged contact with detergents and similar substances can cause moisture to be lost from the skin if not properly cared for afterward.

When the skin barrier function is compromised, the skin becomes more vulnerable to external irritation, leading to symptoms such as cracking and blisters.

In addition, when the skin loses moisture and is subjected to various forms of irritation, the stratum corneum loses its elasticity and cracks. To help prevent hand eczema, it is important to make a habit of minimizing irritation to the fingertips on a daily basis.

Does hand eczema cause itching? Symptoms explained

The main symptoms of hand eczema are as follows:

• Dry hands
• Itching
• Peeling skin
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Cracked skin
• Chapped skin (deep fissures)

In some cases, deep cracks may cause pain or lead to a bacterial infection.

How is hand eczema diagnosed?

When hand eczema is suspected, no special examination or tests are typically required.

However, if tinea (athlete’s foot of the hand) is suspected despite symptoms resembling rough skin, a small sample of skin may be collected for testing.

How is hand eczema treated?

The primary treatment for hand eczema is applying a topical steroid medication two to three times a day.

Topical steroid medications may help reduce inflammation and calm redness in the affected area.

Even if redness and itching improve, stopping the topical steroid medication too soon may result in a quick recurrence, so continue applying it until symptoms resolve.

In addition, since hand eczema is triggered by dry skin, moisturizers may also help relieve symptoms.

Continuing to apply a moisturizer even after redness and itching have subsided may help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

What over-the-counter medications may help with hand eczema? Hand cream effects also explained

Over-the-counter topical steroid medications may also be helpful for hand eczema. Addressing symptoms early is important to avoid scratching, which can spread inflammation.

If cracking is severe, a mild ointment-type topical steroid is generally more appropriate.

However, over-the-counter topical steroids may not always be suited to your specific condition or may not produce the desired results. For this reason, over-the-counter medications should be considered a temporary measure, and you should seek medical consultation as soon as possible.

Please note that hand eczema cannot be treated with hand cream alone. Hand cream is a moisturizer, not a therapeutic medication.

Hand eczema involves inflammation, not merely dry skin, so calming the inflammation takes priority over moisturizing.

How can hand eczema be prevented?

The following measures may help prevent hand eczema:

• Wear gloves when doing wet work
• Use low-irritant detergents
• Keep the skin moisturized

The primary cause of hand eczema is a weakened skin barrier function due to skin dryness.

Applying a moisturizer or hand cream after wet work or hand washing, when the hands are prone to drying out, may help reduce the risk.

People who frequently handle water in their daily work or household tasks are more susceptible to chronic hand eczema, so maintaining consistent fingertip care as part of your daily routine is important.

Frequently asked questions about hand eczema

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about hand eczema.

Can hand eczema be transmitted to others?

Hand eczema cannot be transmitted to others. Hand eczema is an inflammatory condition, not an infectious disease caused by bacteria.

However, bacteria can enter through broken blisters or cracks, potentially causing an infection as a complication. While hand eczema itself is not contagious, any resulting infectious complication may be.

Additionally, tinea manuum (hand ringworm), a skin condition that can look similar to hand eczema, is contagious. If you develop any problem with your hands, please consult a physician first.

What should I do if my hand eczema is not getting better?

When hand eczema is difficult to resolve, a treatment called excimer light therapy may be considered. This treatment involves directing ultraviolet light at the inflamed area to help reduce inflammation.

Types of hand eczema that cause intense itching with small blisters, or types that cause skin thickening, may be difficult to manage with topical steroids alone, and excimer light therapy may be an option in such cases.

For hand eczema treatment, consult IC Clinic

Hand eczema is a skin condition that can affect anyone who frequently performs wet work. Even mild cases may become chronic or worsen over time, so early care is important.

Hand eczema can sometimes lead to secondary infections, so if you notice any unusual sensation in your hands, please see a physician promptly.

IC Clinic strives to be a welcoming clinic for patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Whatever your symptoms, we will work with you to discuss and propose appropriate treatment options. If you are experiencing any itching, redness, or other concerns with your hands, please feel free to consult IC Clinic.

Appointments for “hand eczema” are available only at the dermatology outpatient department of IC Clinic Shinjuku.