What should you know about dermatitis from hand washing?

Water, soap, detergents and repeated drying can weaken the outer skin barrier. Irritants then enter more easily, producing tightness, redness, stinging and peeling. Existing eczema or an allergy to a product may amplify the reaction. Cracked skin can hurt during washing and may bleed, but the pattern is not proof that washing is the only cause.

Use lukewarm water, a mild fragrance-free cleanser and a soft pat-dry technique. Apply an emollient therapy product immediately after washing and whenever the skin feels tight. Use protective gloves for wet work, with a clean dry cotton layer if tolerated, and replace contaminated or damp gloves. A clinician may prescribe topical corticosteroids for a flare; use them only as directed. Narrowband UVB phototherapy is a specialist option for selected persistent eczema.

Get medical advice if pain, swelling, warmth, pus, spreading redness or fever develops, because broken skin can become infected. Arrange review when cracks repeatedly reopen, sleep is disturbed, work is affected or symptoms continue after irritants are reduced. Sudden swelling or breathing difficulty after contact needs emergency help.

Ask which cleanser and emollient suit your skin, whether a contact allergy should be tested, and how to use a prescribed steroid safely on the hands. Bring a list of soaps, sanitisers, gloves and workplace exposures.