Eczema and dry hands: what to know

Hands are exposed to washing, cleaning products, friction, and changes in temperature throughout the day. Those exposures can aggravate an eczema barrier that is already inflamed. Symptoms may involve the backs of the hands, palms, finger webs, or around the nails. Painful splits can make routine tasks difficult. Similar changes may come from irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, so a pattern linked to a product or occupation is useful information.

Wash with lukewarm water and a mild fragrance-free cleanser, then pat dry, including between the fingers. Apply a thick moisturiser after washing and before bed. Use gloves for cleaning or food preparation, but remove them if sweat builds up and wear a soft liner when helpful. Avoid fragranced sanitiser or creams that sting. A prescribed topical treatment may be needed for active inflammation; use it exactly as directed.

Seek an appointment if hand eczema keeps returning, affects work, or remains sore despite consistent protection. Contact a clinician promptly for pus, increasing warmth, swelling, rapidly spreading redness, or thick crusting over broken skin.

Could a workplace or household product be contributing? Do I need patch testing? Which moisturiser and anti-inflammatory treatment fit my palms, fingers, or nail folds?