Do topical corticosteroids treat hand eczema?

Hand eczema can make the skin dry, cracked, red, scaly, or sore. A corticosteroid reduces local inflammation, so it may settle redness, swelling, and itch during a flare. It does not remove the irritant, allergy, or wet-work exposure that may be keeping the rash active. Thick skin on the palms may need a different strength or formulation from skin between the fingers, and fissures can make application sting.

Use the product on affected skin exactly as directed, with the advised amount and duration. Apply moisturiser regularly, especially after washing, and choose fragrance-free products if scented products irritate you. Wear protective gloves for cleaning or prolonged contact with water, using cotton liners if gloves cause sweating. Do not cover treated areas with occlusive gloves or dressings unless a clinician has told you to. If the rash keeps returning, a clinician can check for contact allergy, infection, or another hand condition.

Arrange medical review if cracks are deep, bleeding, increasingly painful, or interfering with sleep or work. Yellow crusting, pus, spreading warmth, or rapidly worsening swelling can suggest infection and needs prompt assessment. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or widespread blistering. Persistent hand eczema despite correct use also deserves review because the diagnosis or trigger may need reassessment.

Ask which strength is suitable for your palms and fingers, how long to use it, and whether a maintenance plan is appropriate. Ask whether your work, soaps, gloves, or products could be causing contact dermatitis, and whether patch testing would help.