What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Hand Dermatitides
• Hand Eczema

What is Hand Dermatitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Hand Dermatitis is a special form of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), which affects the hands on exposure to certain chemicals or substances that irritate the skin
• The condition can be acute, where the symptoms are observed right away after exposure (within a few minutes to hours). Or, it can be chronic, when the symptoms are observed after a period of time, like after many hours or days
• A direct physical contact with the offending agent causes Hand Dermatitis. Such substances may include soaps and detergents, hand cleaning fluids, cement, paints, etc. The contact may occur in a home or industrial setting
• The signs and symptoms are confined to the skin area on hands that is in direct physical contact with the chemical irritant. It may include red rashes, cracked skin, patches that resemble burns and fluid-filled blisters
• The treatment of Hand Dermatitis involves a complete avoidance of the causative agent and the use of medications that include corticosteroids and antihistamines
• Generally, the condition resolves without any significant complications. However, identifying the offending substance is the most important step towards preventing Hand Dermatitis

Who gets Hand Dermatitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Hand Dermatitis can affect any individual, at any age
• Both men and women are affected by this condition
• No racial, ethnic, or geographical predominance is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Hand Dermatitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk for Hand Dermatitis may include exposure to or contact with any of the following substances:

• Cleaning liquids, including soaps and detergents
• Materials such as cement, paints, adhesives, etc.
• Toxic or corrosive chemicals
• Metals such as nickel and chromium

Individuals in the following trades or profession are at an increased risk:

• Cooks and chefs
• Welders
• Glass blowers
• Farmers
• Factory workers
• Hair stylist
• Constructions workers
• Healthcare workers
• Lifeguards
• Homemakers

Note: Not all individuals are affected by the same substance or to the same intensity.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Hand Dermatitis? (Etiology)

• Hand Dermatitis is a common type of contact dermatitis
• The condition occurs when the skin gets damaged due to exposure to substances that irritate the outer protective layer of the skin on the hands
• The exposure may be due to handling, touching, or working with the chemical substance or agent
• An allergic reaction is observed on the exposed area.

Some of the commonly used chemicals that are irritants include:

• Harsh soaps
• Chemical solvents
• Cosmetics
• Industrial chemicals and metals

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hand Dermatitis?

Hand Dermatitis may be acute or chronic. The signs and symptoms of the condition can be mild or severe and may include:

• Red rashes on the hands
• Dry and cracked red patches that resemble burns on the skin of the hand; even the palms may be affected
• Blisters on the skin that drain or ooze fluid
• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• The irritation is generally confined to the area of contact (hands); the signs and symptoms may be observed in other areas too
• Acute form of Hand Dermatitis: The symptoms may be observed immediately on contact with the irritant, or after a few minutes or hours
• Chronic form of Hand Dermatitis: The symptoms may be observed after many hours or days following exposure

How is Hand Dermatitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Hand Dermatitis would include:

• A complete evaluation of one’s medical history to learn about the causative agent, the source of the condition
• A thorough physical examination to observe the signs and symptoms
• Patch test:
  • In this test, small quantities of substances (thought to be irritants) are applied on the skin in small patches
  • The application is left for a certain duration of time, after which the response is observed
  • If the individual develops rashes in the patchy area where the substances were applied, it may be confirmed that the patient is allergic to that particular substance
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to the laboratory for pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope for a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Hand Dermatitis?

Hand Dermatitis could lead to the following complications namely:

• Bacterial and fungal infection: Continuous itching and scaling of the skin will create skin moistness, providing a suitable environment for bacteria and fungi to grow and thrive
• Chronic conditions may cause emotional stress

How is Hand Dermatitis Treated?

Hand Dermatitis may be managed through the following measures:

• Avoiding exposure or contact with substances that are (known) irritants
• Application of anti-itch, over-the-counter creams that contain hydrocortisone can provide relief from pain and itching sensation
• Oral medications: The physician may prescribe oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or antihistamines to provide relief from severe itching sensation

A few self-care tips and home remedies may include:

• Avoid scratching the affected area on the hand
• A cool bath may help soothe the skin
• Use mild soaps and detergents

How can Hand Dermatitis be Prevented?

The following measures may be adopted to avoid the risk of Hand Dermatitis:

• Identification and avoidance of substances that cause the irritation is the first and foremost preventive step
• In case of contact with the allergic substance, wash hands immediately with water
• Wearing protective gloves while doing household work will protect the skin from coming into contact with the offending substance or irritant
• Always choose soaps with mild detergents both for bathing and washing clothes
• A protective cream or moisturizer may be applied over the skin for protection of the topmost layer
• In case of an industrial exposure, use protective or industrial gloves
• Observe safety regulations while handling chemicals

What is the Prognosis of Hand Dermatitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Hand Dermatitis usually resolves within a short duration of time, generally without any complications
• If the condition is recurrent, it may be because the exact cause is not yet identified
• If the condition is due to an occupational exposure, then the occupation or job-related tasks or habits may have to be modified

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Hand Dermatitis:

Contact dermatitis is of several types and each of them may be caused by different factors.

The following article link will help you understand contact dermatitis:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/