Hand Dermatitis

Definition

Hand dermatitis is an inflammation condition which causes the skin to be red, scaly and very itchy generally on the hands that occurs when the hand touches a substance that is an irritant or causes an allergic reaction. In colored skin this may be more purple than red or even may a deepening of the skin co lour.

When hands are affected, there may be small blisters along the sides of the fingers. The hands may become dry and painful with splitting and cracking on the palms or around the fingers. Hand dermatitis can spread to other sites,mainly the forearms and feet. The disease frequently found in the blood relatives. Hand dermatitis is particularly common in industries involving cleaning, catering, metalwork, hairdressing, healthcare and mechanical work. Types of hand dermatitis:-

• Hyperkeratotic dermatitis
• Atopic hand dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Contact dermatitis

Causes of Hand Dermatitis

Causes of hand dermatitis are as:-

• Getting run down, tired and under stress will make dermatitis worse
• Winter: cold weather causing low humidity and drying out make Hand dermatitis worse.
• It is not contagious that is not transferable from one person to other by mere touching.
• Hand dermatitis may be caused by contact with an irritant or an allergic reaction to a substance.
• Contact with products which generally make skin dry such as solvents including turpentine, kerosene, petrol, household goods, gardening and food preparation may also factors of development of the disease.
• Genetically predisposed to hand dermatitis is also found in some people.
• Constant wetting and drying of hand and the increased contact with soaps and detergents may cause hands to become irritated

Symptoms of Hand Dermatitis

Symptoms of Hand Dermatitis such as includes:-

• The irritation appears under a ring if caused by metals.
• Bacterial infection can result in pustules, crusting and pain.
• The main symptom of hand dermatitis is itching and redness.
• Blister may be present which are the result of bacteria infection to the deeper layer of the skin.
• There may be possibility of tissue fluids to ooze between the cells and may gather into collections or blisters
• Crusts: The fluid that oozes from inflamed skin is rich in protein. When this dries out in contact with air the protein is left behind as a crusty deposit
• Thickening : The skin of affected areas are usually much thicker than unaffected skin.
• Sensitivity:The affected skin is more sensitive and feeling of irritation is there if contacted by cosmetics, soaps, detergents, etc.

Treatment of Hand Dermatitis

Treatments for hand dermatitis are as:-

• Prescribed medicines and lubricants should be used. Topical steroids and oral or topical antibiotics are the common medicine that are generally prescribed.
• Ultra violet light therapy: This may also be used for the treatment of severe cases of Hand dermatitis.
• Avoid wet work and contact with irritants as much as you can.
• Mud Gloves are best for working outside if you are suffering from hand dermatitis
• Emollients: Use emollients frequently. A thick barrier cream should be applied to all affected areas before work and reapplied after washing and whenever the skin dries out.
• Cortisone ointments are generally used to treat severe cases of hand dermatitis.
• Use vinyl gloves to protect hands, which are less allergic than rubber gloves. Always make sure the gloves are scrupulously clean inside.
• Rings often worsen dermatitis by trapping irritating materials beneath them. Remove your rings when doing house work and before washing your hands.