Hand eczema

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Hand eczema
Hand eczema
Synonyms	Hand dermatitis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Itching, redness, cracking, blisters
Complications	Infection, chronic pain
Onset	Any age, commonly in adults
Duration	Chronic, with periods of flare-ups
Types	N/A
Causes	Irritants, allergens, genetic predisposition
Risks	Occupational exposure, atopic dermatitis
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, patch testing
Differential diagnosis	Psoriasis, fungal infection, contact dermatitis
Prevention	Avoidance of triggers, use of protective gloves
Treatment	Moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, phototherapy
Medication	Antihistamines, immunosuppressants
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	Rare

Hand eczema hyperkeratotic-rhagadiform

Fingertip eczema

Patch test

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