Who is susceptible to hand dermatitis? 

People who work in industries like cleaning, catering, hairdressing, healthcare, and mechanical labour, where they could be exposed to irritants like chemicals, are frequently affected.

Atopic dermatitis and nummular eczema, which are brought on by a confluence of hereditary and environmental factors, are not the same as hand eczema. Hand eczema is less likely to affect children.It is a form of contact dermatitis that develops as a result of environmental chemical irritants.A skin ailment called hand eczema over time can result in dry skin, a compromised immune system, eczema flare-ups in the affected areas, and compromised skin barriers.

Hand Eczema Classification:

People who have atopic dermatitis condition are more likely to get hand dermatitis, especially if they work in a moist environment. The fingers and back of the hands are often included in the symmetrical involvement.Recurrent vesicles on the lateral sides of the fingers, palms, and periungual region are the hallmark of pompholyx.

Dermatitis from contact: Immunologically mediated. An unknown agent causes the skin to react abnormally. When it comes into contact with the same material, it gets sensitized, and memory is triggered, drawing inflammatory cells in.

Irritant dermatitis is also referred to as dishpan hands or housewife’s eczema. The majority of instances are brought on by repeated exposure to irritants including common solvents, alcohols, organic and inorganic acids, alkalis, and bases, as well as detergents, cleansers, and disinfectants.

Factors which cause atopic hand dermatitis?

• Allergic reactions,
• Hay fever,
• Food allergies
• Psoriasis,
• Skin barrier dysfunction
• Immune system dysregulation
• Long time water exposure

Symptoms of hand eczema:

• Cracked, peeling, scaly, or crusting skin (in severe case)
• Redness
• Itchy skin in the affected area
• Pain
• Cracks
• Blisters
• Dryness, to the point of peeling and flaking.

Preventive actions and management:

• Hands should be cleaned with a fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm (not hot) water.
• Reduce contact with irritants like water, soap, and detergents.
• Maintain Hand hygiene: Glycerin- and alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less irritant than soap and water.
• Frequently use of basic, unscented hand emollients
• To protect your hands when performing household tasks, wear cotton gloves around the house.
• For any messy or damp work at home or at the office, cotton gloves should be worn.
• The moisturisers with the highest oil content work the best (like ointments and creams).
• Treat any injuries to your hands, no matter how small, by bandaging them.
• Avoid waterless, antibacterial cleansers since they frequently contain harsh substances for your hands, such as alcohol and solvents (especially during flare-ups).
• In order to prevent irritation from allergies or chemicals, treat all wounds on your hands, no matter how minor.