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

• Housewife’s Eczema
• Housewife’s Hand Eczema

What is Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis is a common skin condition of the hands that develops from doing household works, such as cleaning and washing (wet works), which is typically noted in housewives or homemakers
• Hand dermatitis may be described as a form of irritant contact dermatitis, which affects the hands on exposure to certain chemicals or substances that irritate the skin. The condition can be acute or chronic
• The signs and symptoms are confined to the skin area on hands, which is in direct physical contact with the chemical irritant. It may include red rashes/blisters that present pain and burning sensation
• The treatment of Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis involves a complete avoidance of the causative agent and use of medications including corticosteroids and immunomodulators. Generally, the condition resolves without any significant complications

Who gets Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis is observed in women of any age category; even men who do house works, such as washing dishes/clothes, are prone to the condition
• No racial, ethnic, or geographical predominance is observed

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

Homemakers or housewives are at risk for developing Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis from doing any wet work. These may include washing clothes, cooking, or cleaning utensils. The risk factors may include:

• Use of certain cleaning liquids, including soaps and detergents, and disinfectants
• Failing to read instruction labels on such products prior to using them
• Performing such wet works without wearing any gloves
• Frequent handwashing

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s 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 Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis? (Etiology)

Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis is a common type of contact dermatitis observed in homemakers or housewives.

• The condition occurs commonly 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/agent, using one’s bare hands. An allergic reaction may be observed on the exposed skin surfaces

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis?

Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis may be acute or chronic. The signs and symptoms of the condition can be mild or severe and may vary from one individual to another. The condition is further categorized as wet and dry forms of Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis:

The signs and symptoms of the dry form may include:

• Mild itching
• Increased pigmentation on the hands/fingers
• Presence of dry skin
• Nail may be deformed
• All the fingers of both hands may be affected, but sometimes the thumbs are spared
• The condition gets worse during winters, especially the chronic form

The signs and symptoms of the wet form may include:

• Presence of itchy lesions that present swelling
• The lesions may form into blisters
• The entire hand may be involved - the palm, the back of the hand, and the fingers
• The condition may be noted throughout the year

The acute form may be observed immediately on contact with the irritant/chemical, while the chronic form may develop after a few hours or days.

How is Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Housewife’s 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
• Skin biopsy, if required: A skin tissue 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 Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis?

Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis could lead to the following complications namely:

• Cosmetic issues
• Secondary bacterial and fungal infection
• Chronic conditions may cause emotional stress
• Recurrence of the condition

How is Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis Treated?

Housewife’s 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 immunomodulators to provide relief from persistent conditions
• Treating secondary infections via antifungal or antibiotic creams

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

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

How can Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis be Prevented?

The following measures may be adopted to minimize the risk for Housewife’s 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
• Limiting household wet works, such as washing and cleaning, to a few hours a day
• Always choose soaps with mild detergents for bathing and washing clothes
• A protective cream or moisturizer may be applied over the skin for protection of the topmost layer
• Read instruction labels before using household cleaning chemicals
• Observe safety regulations while handling chemicals

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

• Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis usually resolves within a short duration of time, generally without any complications
• However, recurrence of the condition may be noted due to the nature of the occupation

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Housewife’s Hand Dermatitis:

The following article link will help you understand contact dermatitis:

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