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Dry, cracked hands and eczema: what to know

How the structures involved in Atopic Dermatitis differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Atopic Dermatitis differ from normal

Short answer

Eczema can make hand skin dry, itchy, inflamed, and cracked, especially after repeated washing or contact with irritants.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Common triggers
Washing, detergents, solvents, fragrances, cold and dry air
Barrier support
Thick moisturiser after every wash
Watch for
Pus, spreading redness, warmth, swelling or fever

What the changes can mean

Hand eczema weakens the skin barrier. Water, soap, detergents, solvents, fragrances, and cold or dry air can remove protective oils and trigger inflammation. You may notice redness, scaling, soreness, small blisters, or splits around the fingers and knuckles. Cracks can sting when exposed to water. These features can overlap with [Dry Skin](/symptoms/dry-skin/) and [Cracked Skin](/symptoms/skin-cracking/), so appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Helpful daily care

Use lukewarm water, a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, and a thick moisturising ointment after washing while the skin is still slightly damp. Wear protective gloves for wet or cleaning work, with a soft cotton layer if sweating or friction causes irritation. Do not pick flakes or use harsh scrubs on open fissures. A clinician may recommend a prescription anti-inflammatory treatment when barrier care does not settle the flare. See [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) for broader eczema context.

When to seek care

Arrange a medical review if cracks keep returning, interfere with work or sleep, spread beyond the hands, or fail to improve with careful moisturising. Seek prompt care for increasing warmth, swelling, pus, honey-coloured crusting, fever, or rapidly worsening pain, which can signal infection; [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) explains that symptom.

Questions for your doctor

Could this be hand eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, or an infection? Which products and protective gloves suit my routine? Should I use a prescription cream on fissures, and how should I taper it?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can washing make hand eczema worse?

Frequent water and cleanser exposure can strip barrier oils and aggravate inflammation, particularly when hands are not moisturised afterward.

Why do the cracks sting?

A fissure exposes sensitive skin layers, so water, soap and household chemicals can cause sharp stinging.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.