15 Ways to Get Relief From Hand Eczema

Hand eczema is a type of allergic reaction to irritating substances in the environment. It can cause redness, blistering, cracking, flaking, pain, and itching. Cleaners, hairdressers, health care workers, and other people who work with heavy chemicals or irritating substances may get hand eczema. Here are some ways to manage the symptoms.

Too much hand washing and toweling off can cause flare-ups. But you’ve got to wash your hands after using the bathroom; visiting a public place; and blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. To avoid flares, wash carefully with a gentle soap and lukewarm water for at least 20 seconds. Softly pat your hands dry and leave them slightly damp. Moisturize with a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment immediately after.

Read the label before you buy a moisturizer. Creams and lotions that contain more water than oil can dry out the skin and make your eczema worse. Pick greasy ointments, such as petroleum jelly or moisturizers that contain mineral oil. Also make sure you go fragrance- and dye-free because these additives can irritate your skin.

If your oil-based moisturizer isn’t helping to keep your hand eczema symptoms in check, you may need a medical moisturizer called an emollient. You can get these creams, gels, and ointments at your local pharmacy with or without a doctor’s prescription. Use them often during the day to keep your skin from drying out.

Hand sanitizers can make skin dry and other eczema symptoms worse. Only use them when there's no running water available. When you do reach for it, choose one that contains at least 60% alcohol to kill germs. Avoid any that contain methanol because it can irritate your skin. After applying hand sanitizer, make sure your hands are completely dry before moisturizing.

A topical steroid can help heal cracks in your skin, reduce redness and soreness, and prevent infection. Your doctor will let you know whether to use an over-the-counter steroid or need a prescription for something stronger. You’ll usually apply a steroid for 2 weeks. If your skin is infected, your doctor may prescribe an antibacterial cream or pill.

Clean any cuts or injuries you have on your hands, and keep them bandaged. This will prevent allergens or harsh substances from irritating your skin and making your hand eczema worse.

Scratching can leave the skin red, inflamed, and feeling itchier. If you scratch too much, you can crack your skin and increase the risk of infection. Try to curb the itch by soaking your hands in an oatmeal bath for up to 10 minutes. Icing the area can curb itch, too. When you just can’t resist scratching, minimize the damage by keeping your nails short or gently rubbing the area with the back of your hand rather than scratching it.

Your dermatologist can do a patch test to find out whether an allergen or irritating substance is causing your hand eczema. That way you can avoid offending materials or products. Your doctor may have to do the patch test a couple of times to find the root cause of your hand eczema.

Rings can trap soap, cleaning products, and dust and irritate your skin. Take them off when you wash and dry your hands and when you do household chores. Also, clean your rings often.

Avoid washing dishes or clothes by hand. If that’s not possible, wash them under running water rather than in a sinkful of standing water. For dishes, use a long-handled scrubbing brush to avoid contact with the hot water. Wear waterproof gloves with a cotton liner for up to 20 minutes. Place rubber bands around the cuffs of the gloves to keep water out.

Use cotton gloves to protect your hands while doing chores, such as dusting and folding laundry. It’s a good idea to have several pairs so you can wash them after each use. Make sure to wash them inside-out. Then let them dry completely before wearing them again. You may also want to wear cotton gloves while you sleep after moisturizing your hands at bedtime.

Use disposable vinyl or neoprene gloves to protect your hands when you’re peeling potatoes, preparing meat, chopping onions or tomatoes, or cutting citrus fruits. Avoid latex because it can cause an allergic reaction. Throw the gloves away after each use. 

Gloves made of wool or synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, can irritate the skin and make you feel itchy. Pick gloves made of cotton, bamboo, or silk instead. Make sure there are no rough seams, fibers, or fastenings.

Look for products such as moisturizers, face cleansers, over-the-counter medicine, and household cleaners with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. The association awards this seal to products, including perfumes, sunscreen, and other household and personal care items, that are free of ingredients that commonly trigger eczema.

Ignoring symptoms of hand eczema can lead to eczema flare-ups, a weakened immune system, and weakened skin barriers that can increase your risk of infection. Get treatment as soon as possible. If your symptoms don’t improve, talk with your doctor about a different plan, but don’t give up. Together, you and your health care provider can find the best way to manage your hand eczema.