Chronic hand eczema is a common reason for visiting a dermatologist, not only because it is a frequent skin disease, but also because it has a strong professional, psychological and social impact.
In France, 2.5 million people suffer from eczema. Among the different types of eczema, hand eczema is found: a disease that is particularly disruptive to daily life. Explanation from Dr. Bruno Hallioua, dermatologist in Paris. Hand eczema: what is it? Chronic hand eczema (or hand dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The disease progresses in clusters and often occurs secondarily in adulthood. Even if there is no allergic cause, this dermatitis is a type of allergy (or allergic reaction) and once developed, it will last a lifetime.
Hand eczema can occur alone or in conjunction with more general eczema. It is not contagious, so it cannot be transmitted from person to person. Eczema may have occupational causes (working with irritating substances).
What types of hand eczema are there? Contact Dermatitis (Allergic or Irritant)
Allergic contact dermatitis: This is the most common type of eczema. It is a localized allergic reaction caused by common chemicals such as nickel, chromium, solvents, and perfumes. This eczema can affect the entire hand up to the wrist.
rritant contact dermatitis (also called irritant dermatitis): It is an inflammatory disease of the skin caused by environmental influences (friction, abrasion, heat, cold, chemicals, irritating plants, etc.). Although the redness and pain weaken the skin, it is not strictly an allergy.
Atopic dermatitis
Hand eczema due to atopic dermatitis: It is allergic and causes dry skin on the palms, cracks in the pulp of the fingers (“pulpitis”), or nodules. Classic hand eczema. Contact dermatitis occurs most often as a reaction to proteins of plant or animal origin.
Dyshidrosis (stress, sunlight)
Finally, dyshidrosis is a special form of hand eczema that causes itching on the sides of the palms and fingers, accompanied by redness, small wounds, and scales (“pale” skin). Stress, summer sun, etc. may be the cause.
Hand eczema symptoms: red spots, itching… Thus, hand eczema is characterized by four types of skin changes: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and dehydration. This type of dermatitis occurs as a result of the development of eczema, which is characterized by:
Red spots on the skin of the back of the hand (which can be dry or oozing with blisters and crusts)
Cracking not only on the top, but also on the palm, between the fingers and at the fingertips
Severe itching associated with it.
hese symptoms occur when the skin of the hand is repeatedly exposed to allergens, with small cuts and microscopic abrasions on the dry and inflamed skin of the hand. When this substance enters the skin, it binds to certain proteins and triggers an immune response. If the damage is severe, these symptoms can cause insomnia pain, reduced skin sensitivity and functional discomfort. However, during the resting phase, the skin is dry and rough. Hand eczema is particularly disruptive in everyday life, especially in social, professional, friendship or romantic situations. Eczema symptoms have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. Insomnia, depression, social phobia, disability and/or interruptions in work are common. “Patients have difficulty continuing their work. “The first treatment is to eliminate the cause, but it is not easy to think about professional retraining,” admits Dr. Harioa.
Causes: why do you get eczema on your hands (redness of the hands, itching, etc.)? The cause of eczema is known in only half of the cases1. Basically it looks like this:
Contact sensitization by allergens or alteration of the skin’s barrier function due to mechanical, corrosive or chemical irritation: this includes household or commercial products, but also cold or excessive heat.
Atopic dermatitis that develops in childhood and persists in the form of chronic hand eczema.
Certain occupations are therefore particularly at risk due to the use of cleaning or allergenic products: construction (especially with cement), hairdressing (with nickel), housework and maintenance, occupations in the oral area (allergies to gloves, flour) or medical and paramedical professionals (allergies Chronic or recurrent hand eczema occurs in 5-7% of cases, that is, when the patient complies with this treatment.
Treatment of hand eczema: how to treat it? Which cream is better?To treat this disease, it is essential to avoid the allergens involved in the appearance of hand eczema. Allergy testing may be prescribed by your doctor.
Next, to treat inflammatory breakouts:
Topical corticosteroids are the first choice. “In some cases, an immediate response is obtained, but in 2-4% of cases, a moderate response with recurrence or resistance to treatment is observed,” the dermatologist reports.
If this is ineffective, other topical immunosuppressants, topical phototherapy, oral retinoids, and even systemic immunosuppressants may be used.
Once the outbreak is under control, it is essential to moisturize the hands daily with an emollient to rebuild the skin barrier and avoid dry and burning skin.
Eczema usually does not go away on its own. In this case, a new outbreak often occurs with a slight delay. To cure eczema, you must first identify and address the cause. This may involve avoiding the allergen, taking antihistamines to suppress the allergic reaction, and treatments to reduce inflammation.
Allergens can be present in certain accessories (such as smartphones), cosmetics (such as shower gels, wipes, hair dye), certain textile products such as rubber, metal objects such as jewelry and coins, cleaning products (such as laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent) or even paints. Eczema can also occur as a side effect of topical medications. Tips for beautiful hands
Protect yourself from the winter cold and prevent dry skin
Wash your hands with lukewarm water
Use super-fat and mild soap
Avoid over-washing your hands
Dry your hands by patting them dry
Apply moisturizer regularly
Avoid allergens
Wear protective gloves when handling irritating products (but don’t wear them for long periods of time).
