Also referred to as hand eczema, it is a skin condition in which rashes develops on hands and they become dry, red, cracked and inflamed. It is not considered to be contagious but this condition can eventually lead to pain on contact with even simple solution such as water. This disease is commonly found in people involved in the work of catering, cleaning, health care and mechanical work.

People having a skin which is not tough enough are more prone to dermatitis. People suffering from hand dermatitis may have dermatitis elsewhere and their blood relatives might also be suffering from it. Although one may not be having a tough skin but treatments are available to cure it. Frequent immersion of hands in water is the most common factor which leads to dermatitis. The problem becomes more intense if the skin gets exposed to solvents and detergents as they strip the skin of its natural protective layer.

Cause

It is caused by a combination of factors which includes constitutional factors, contact with allergy and irritants. A natural protective film of oil is formed on our skin and if the film gets removed by soaps, chemicals or other substances, the skin gets dry and cracked. When there is further exposure to environmental irritants, it results in inflammation and redness. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to hand dermatitis and they get easily affected by it.

Symptoms

The symptoms range from mild, itchy rashes to severe itching, blistering and swelling. When the case becomes severe, open sores may result in bacterial skin infections.  Hand eczema varies in severity. Hand dermatitis tends to affect the palms, the backs of the hands or both. It usually begins as a mild intermittent complaint and if not treated it becomes increasingly severe. Initially the affected area becomes dry and red and then it moves on to become itchy papules, fluid filled blisters, cracking, scaling, swelling and weeping of the skin. It may result in bacterial infection which may result in crusting, pain and pustules. If left untreated for along time, it might result in deformed nails.

Treatment

If treated properly, one can recover effectively. One must avoid contact with irritants and wet work. Hands should be protected using vinyl gloves. One must frequently use emollients.  Doctors generally prescribe topical steroids for reducing inflammation which is to be used for several weeks. In case the dermatitis gets infected, the doctor prescribes a topical or oral antibiotic such as flucloxacillin for a week.

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