Patient Information: Chronic Hand Dermatitis

(Also called hand eczema)

What is chronic hand dermatitis?

Chronic hand dermatitis is a long-lasting condition that causes the skin on your hands to become:

  • Dry
  • Red or cracked
  • Itchy
  • Sore or scaly
  • Sometimes even blistered or bleeding

It can come and go, and often flares when your hands are exposed to water, soap, cleaning products, or cold weather.

Common Triggers

  • Frequent hand washing
  • Soaps and detergents
  • Gloves worn for too long
  • Cleaning chemicals
  • Cold, dry air
  • History of eczema, asthma, or allergies

🧴 How to Care for Your Hands

✅ 1. Moisturise often

  • Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser at least 20 times a day. (Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Formula – fragrance free).
  • Apply after every hand wash, before bed, and as often as needed.
  • Don’t wait for your skin to feel dry — keep it constantly moisturised.

✅ 2. Use soap substitutes

  • Use a gentle, soap-free wash (e.g., QV Wash®, Cetaphil®, CeraVe®).
  • Avoid soap, foaming cleansers, and alcohol-based hand sanitisers (jelly hand sanitisers are better for your hands).
  • Wash with lukewarm (not hot) water and pat dry.

✅ 3. Wear gloves — but correctly

  • Use cotton gloves under rubber gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.
  • Remove gloves as soon as you’re done — too much sweating can make it worse.
  • Don’t wear gloves for longer than necessary.

✅ 4. Avoid irritants

  • Stay away from bleach, disinfectants, paints, and harsh cleaners.
  • If you must use them, wear gloves and moisturise afterwards.

💧 Salt Water Soaks for Weepy or Cracked Skin

If the skin is weeping, blistered, or open, salt water (saline) soaks can help keep it clean and prevent infection.

🧂 How to make a salt water soak at home:

You’ll need:

  • 1 cup of clean water (boiled and cooled)
  • ½ teaspoon of table salt

Instructions:

  1. Mix the salt into the cooled boiled water.
  2. Soak your hands in the solution for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Gently pat dry with a clean towel or tissue.
  4. Apply a moisturiser or prescribed cream straight after.

🧼 Do this once or twice a day if your skin is cracked, oozing, or looks inflamed.

💊 Medical Treatments

Your doctor may prescribe:

  • Steroid creams or ointments for flare-ups
  • Non-steroid creams (like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus)
  • Antibiotics if infection is suspected
  • Phototherapy or oral medicines in severe cases

Follow your treatment plan closely.

⚠️ When to See Your Doctor

Call or return to clinic if:

  • Your skin becomes very painful, crusted, or oozing
  • You see yellow discharge or signs of infection
  • Moisturisers or creams sting too much
  • Your symptoms aren’t improving after using your prescribed treatment

Remember:

Hand dermatitis takes time to heal, but with good care and the right treatment, your skin will improve. Keep up your routine and don’t stop moisturising — even when your skin looks better!

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