Rash on the back of the hands

Frequent handwashing, sanitiser, detergents, solvents, gloves, and cold or dry air can weaken the skin barrier. Contact Dermatitis may follow direct exposure or an allergy to a product. Atopic Dermatitis can cause dry, cracked, inflamed skin. Scaly plaques may fit Psoriasis, while a ring-shaped expanding patch may be Ringworm. A new medicine can cause a Drug Rash, though the hands are only one possible site.

Look for cracking, scaling, oozing, crust, small blisters, warmth, swelling, or pain. Consider whether the rash follows work, cleaning, jewellery, nail products, gloves, or a recent change in soap.

Rinse off suspected irritants, use a mild fragrance-free cleanser, and apply a thick plain moisturiser after washing. Wear protective gloves for wet work, with a soft breathable layer underneath if tolerated, and remove rings before washing. Do not burst blisters or use leftover prescription creams. If cracks are deep or products at work are unavoidable, ask a clinician about a practical protection plan.

Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing trouble, rapidly blistering or peeling skin, or sores involving the mouth or eyes. Arrange prompt care when a hand becomes increasingly hot, swollen, painful, or difficult to move, or when pus or fever appears. Persistent cracking, recurrent flares, or a rash that affects work warrants a dermatology assessment and may need patch testing.

Could this be Contact Dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, psoriasis, or an infection? Would patch testing help identify an allergy? Which cleanser and barrier product suit my work? How should I protect open cracks and recognise infection?