What should you know about redness itching and swelling of hands?

Hand eczema and atopic dermatitis can make skin dry, cracked, and intensely itchy. Contact dermatitis may follow soaps, cleaning products, gloves, metals, or a new cosmetic. Hives tend to form raised, changing welts, while psoriasis may produce thicker, scaly areas. A skin yeast infection is more likely in warm, moist areas. Scabies can cause severe itch, often worse at night, with bumps or tracks and symptoms in close contacts. The direction of the rash, timing, and surface changes help distinguish these possibilities.

Remove any newly introduced product and rinse the hands gently. Use lukewarm water, pat dry, and apply a bland fragrance-free moisturiser after washing. Wear protective gloves for wet work, with cotton beneath if tolerated, and avoid scratching. Photograph changing swelling or welts for the appointment. A clinician may need to inspect cracks, nails, and finger webs before recommending a treatment.

Seek emergency help for sudden hand swelling with trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, or widespread hives. Get urgent assessment for rapidly worsening pain, heat, pus, fever, red streaks, numbness, or a finger that becomes difficult to move. Arrange a review if symptoms persist, recur, disturb sleep, or affect both hands without a clear trigger.

Ask which exposures should be avoided, whether the finger webs or nails need checking, whether testing for allergy or infection is appropriate, and how to protect the skin during work and frequent handwashing.