Hand eczema – diagnosis and treatment

What does hand eczema look like?

Hand eczema can appear in many different ways. For some people, it begins with mild dryness and irritation, while others experience more pronounced skin changes.

Typical signs of hand eczema include dry skin, redness, scaling and itching. The skin may feel rough and tight, and in more severe cases, painful cracks can develop. Some people develop small fluid-filled blisters, particularly on the fingers or palms.

The skin changes may be limited to specific areas or affect large parts of the hands. Symptoms often vary over time, with periods when the skin is relatively calm followed by new flare-ups.

Why does hand eczema occur?

Hand eczema is rarely caused by a single factor. In most people, the condition develops due to a combination of skin sensitivity and the various exposures the hands encounter.

Water, soap, cleaning products and hand sanitiser can gradually weaken the skin’s natural protective barrier. As the skin loses moisture and becomes more permeable, the risk of irritation and eczema increases.

In some people, allergies play a role. In these cases, the skin reacts to specific substances such as fragrances, preservatives, rubber or metals. Others have an inherited tendency towards dry and sensitive skin, making them more susceptible to developing hand eczema.

People with a history of atopic eczema or other atopic conditions generally have an increased risk of developing hand eczema later in life.

Can hand eczema be caused by work?

Yes. Hand eczema is among the most common work-related skin diseases.

The condition is particularly common in people who frequently work with water, cleaning products, food, gloves or chemicals. Healthcare workers, hairdressers, cleaners, chefs and tradespeople are among the professional groups where hand eczema occurs more frequently than in the general population.

This does not necessarily mean that work alone is the cause, but working conditions can be an important contributing factor.

Hand eczema with blisters

In some patients, hand eczema appears as small, itchy blisters on the fingers or palms. The blisters may develop suddenly and are often followed by peeling and dry skin.

This type of hand eczema can be particularly uncomfortable because the itching is often intense. The blisters are not contagious and are not caused by an infection, but are part of the inflammatory process in the skin.

Is it hand eczema or something else?

Several skin conditions can resemble hand eczema. Dry skin, rashes, cracks or scaling on the hands do not necessarily mean that eczema is the cause.

Conditions that can resemble hand eczema include psoriasis, fungal infections and other inflammatory skin conditions. In some cases, it can be difficult to distinguish between these conditions without a medical assessment.

If the symptoms keep recurring, do not respond to treatment as expected, or the diagnosis is uncertain, an assessment by a dermatologist may be appropriate.

How is the diagnosis made?



The diagnosis is primarily based on the patient’s medical history and the appearance of the skin.

During the consultation, the dermatologist will assess factors such as how long the symptoms have been present, previous skin conditions, working conditions and possible triggers. In some cases, further examinations may be needed if an allergy or another skin condition is suspected.

The aim is not only to establish the diagnosis, but also to identify the factors that contribute to the eczema.

How is hand eczema treated?



Treatment depends on both the cause of the hand eczema and the severity of the symptoms.

An important goal is to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. For this reason, regular skincare is often a central part of treatment. At the same time, it may be necessary to reduce or change the exposures that make the eczema worse.

During active flare-ups, medical treatment may be needed to reduce inflammation in the skin. Treatment is tailored to the individual patient and depends, among other things, on the extent and duration of the symptoms.

For some patients, an important part of treatment is identifying and avoiding specific irritants or substances that trigger allergic reactions.

How should you care for your skin?



Even when the eczema is improving, the skin is often more sensitive than usual. Daily skincare and protecting the hands can therefore help reduce the risk of new flare-ups.

Many people find that their symptoms improve by limiting unnecessary contact with water and cleaning products, wearing gloves during tasks that may irritate the skin, and applying moisturiser regularly throughout the day.

In some cases, small changes in daily routines can be just as important as medical treatment.

Hand eczema in children



Hand eczema is less common in children than in adults, but it occurs particularly in children with dry and sensitive skin or a history of atopic eczema.

The symptoms are similar to those seen in adults, including dryness, itching and irritation of the skin on the hands. In children, it is especially important to assess both the skin changes and the everyday factors that may affect the skin.