How To Prevent And Treat Hand Rashes

Hand rashes can take many forms but one of the most common reasons is that of a condition known as contact dermatitis. It’s also sometimes called hand eczema. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can, in some cases, become more than just a mild inconvenience.

The following discusses everything you need to know about hand rashes—from causes to treatment and prevention.

All About Hand Rashes 

• Hand rashes: the causes
• Hand rashes: the treatment
• Hand rashes: prevention

Hand rashes: the causes 

Most hand rashes occur because the skin comes in contact with something that irritates it. This could be one of many, many things. These could be obvious triggers—such as an industrial chemical. But more often, the cause is something more benign, perhaps being something contained in soap, washing powder, or cosmetic products. 

In many cases, the timeline of a hand rash begins with the skin becoming dry. This worsens—either quickly or over a sustained period—and begins to form a rash, perhaps in combination with swelling and itching.

As the rash worsens, it begins to be irritated by even more substances. Even the gentlest of products might become triggers, such as those designed for babies or even water. This is known as cumulative irritant dermatitis.

There are some other, less common, reasons for hand rashes. These include:

• Inherited skin reactions: often occurring concurrently in those with eczema, atopic dermatitis, hay fever, or asthma
• An allergic reaction: from developing sensitivity to a product, such as metal, rubber, or a plant
• Dyshidrotic hand dermatitis: this much rarer cause of hand rashes causes blisters beneath the skin and is often linked to stress

Hand rashes: the treatment 

Treating hand rashes—especially the most common types—begins with removing the irritant (or irritants) from the skin. Your dermatologist will likely prescribe a cream and if there’s an infection, antibiotics. Steroids are also an option if the rash is severe. You’ll need to reduce hand washing and contact with water, using gloves and creams instead to protect the hands. Moisturizing will be an essential element of treatment, applied after washing the hands with a mild soap. 

Do pay attention to the products your dermatologist advises you to use, as it’s vital to only use those that won’t worsen the condition. When you do wash your hands, you should avoid vigorous drying. Instead, blot them dry.

Hand rashes with a severe underlying cause might warrant other therapies. These include those using ultraviolet light and ray therapy. If the rash has developed into sore, oozing blisters, then you’ll need to use cold compresses and/or hand soaks until the acute phase has passed.

Hand rashes: prevention

If you have a tendency to develop hand rashes then it’s important to follow preventative measures. These include:

• Only use the mildest products, such as dove soap or a soap substitute, to wash your hands
• Always moisturize your hands after washing 
• Wear waterproof gloves when carrying out tasks where your hands might get wet. This includes preparing food, washing the dishes, doing the laundry, etc.
• Avoid using latex or powdered gloves
• Consider using thin white cotton gloves beneath waterproof gloves
• Protect hands from cold air and wind
• Protect the hands for at least four months following a flare-up of hand rashes

Don’t Let Hand Rashes Ruin Your Life. Contact Bayou City Dermatology Today for Definitive Treatment 

No matter what the primary cause of your hand rashes is, there’s no need for you to accept that it’s just something you have to learn to live with. At Bayou City Dermatology we pride ourselves in the provision of the ultimate treatment and advice.

Visit https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com to find out more and get in contact to book your hand rash appointment with a specialist practitioner today.