Hand eczema

Hand eczema is a common condition that causes the skin on your hands to become inflamed and irritated. It is often caused by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, contact with irritants, and allergies. Hand eczema can be a long-term (chronic) condition and can cause significant distress and impact on quality of life.

Causes

Hand eczema is often caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Genetic predisposition: Some people are more prone to developing hand eczema due to their genetic makeup.
• Contact with irritants: Frequent contact with water, detergents, solvents, and other chemicals can irritate the skin and lead to hand eczema.
• Allergies: Some people develop hand eczema as a reaction to certain substances they are allergic to, such as nickel or certain types of rubber.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hand eczema can vary, but may include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Pain
• Dryness
• Cracks
• Blisters

Treatment

Treatment for hand eczema may include:

• Topical corticosteroids: These are creams or ointments that you apply to your skin to reduce inflammation.
• Emollients: These are moisturisers that you apply to your skin to prevent it from becoming dry.
• Avoiding irritants: This may include wearing gloves when you are doing tasks that could irritate your skin, such as washing up or gardening.

See also

• Dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis

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