How to treat eczema on hands: what to know

Care aims to restore the skin barrier, calm inflammation and prevent new exposure from restarting the flare. Hand eczema can affect palms, backs of the hands, fingertips and spaces between fingers. It may cause itching, scaling, thickening, soreness or cracks. The treatment depends on the pattern and cause: Atopic Dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis may need different plans. A clinician may ask about soaps, cleaning agents, occupations, gloves, jewellery and personal-care products.

Colour left behind after inflammation can take time to settle. Darker marks are called Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation; treating the active eczema and avoiding further irritation are more useful than scrubbing the area.

Use a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment several times through the day and after hand washing. Choose lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser and soft patting for drying. Protect hands from detergents, solvents and prolonged wet work with suitable gloves, while taking breaks if sweat causes irritation. Do not scratch, peel scale or share prescription medicines. A clinician may recommend a topical anti-inflammatory treatment or another option for difficult flares; follow the instructions for amount, location and duration. Return for review if the plan is not controlling symptoms.

Seek medical advice when symptoms are frequent, severe, spreading or affecting sleep, work or grip. Prompt assessment is needed for increasing warmth, swelling, pain, pus, yellow crusting, red streaking or fever. These signs can indicate infection. Get help for a rash that persists despite avoiding suspected irritants, because allergy, psoriasis or infection can resemble eczema.

What is the likely cause of my hand eczema, and how should I use each treatment? Should I be tested for contact allergy, and what should I do if the skin cracks or becomes infected?