What should you know about heat spots on hands?

Sweaty palms, occlusive gloves, frequent washing, and cleaning chemicals can disrupt the skin barrier. Heat-related irritation may itch or sting; small blisters can point to a different pattern. Redness around a cut, nail, or tender area needs separate attention. The appearance of a hand spot cannot confirm one cause without examining it.

Rinse off irritants, dry between the fingers, and use a gentle cleanser. Take breaks from sweaty gloves, keep protective gloves clean, and avoid fragranced creams on broken skin. Apply a simple moisturiser to dry areas, but do not puncture blisters or share towels. Photographing a flare can help if it fades before an appointment.

Arrange a clinical assessment if spots return, spread, crack, ooze, or make gripping difficult. Seek prompt care for rapidly worsening redness, severe pain, increasing warmth, fever, red streaking, or swelling around a nail. Emergency help is needed for sudden hand swelling with breathing difficulty.

Ask whether the pattern suggests heat irritation, eczema, infection, or another condition; which products are safe; and how to protect the skin during work. Explain exposure to gloves, soaps, sanitiser, jewellery, metals, and new medicines, plus any itch, burning, blistering, or drainage.