Itchy hands and eczema treatment

Hand eczema may cause dryness, redness, scaling, burning, itch, painful splits, or weeping areas. Water, detergents, solvents, gloves, metals, and repeated friction can damage the barrier. Atopic Dermatitis can affect the hands as part of a wider eczema pattern. Itch may be worse at night, and scratching can lead to crusting or more cracking. Darkening or lightening after inflammation may linger as Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, particularly in deeper skin tones.

Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, then pat dry and apply a thick cream or ointment immediately. Reapply after each wash. Use protective gloves for wet work, with a soft cotton layer underneath if tolerated, and take breaks from occlusive gloves when safe. Avoid fragranced products and harsh household chemicals. A clinician may prescribe a topical anti-inflammatory medicine and explain where, how often, and how long to use it; follow that plan rather than borrowing treatment.

Arrange review when symptoms persist despite barrier care, interfere with work or sleep, or repeatedly return. Prompt assessment is needed for increasing warmth, swelling, pus, honey-coloured crusting, fever, severe pain, or rapidly spreading redness. A clinician may check for contact allergy, infection, or another condition when treatment is not helping.

Ask whether this is eczema, an allergy, infection, or another hand disorder; which moisturiser and gloves suit your work; and how to use prescribed medicine safely. Mention cracking, crusting, night itch, and any areas of itchy skin elsewhere.