Hand Allergies: Causes, Treatments, and Home Remedies

Severe cases of hand allergies or eczema can affect your quality of life. The symptoms vary from mild to moderate to severe. Some cases go away naturally, while others require medical intervention. Your hands may become too painful to perform regular tasks. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of eczema and treatments. Moreover, we’ll also talk about the best home remedies. So, if you’re ready to learn everything you need to know about hand eczema, let’s dive in. 

What is Hand Eczema

Hand eczema is a type of inflammatory skin condition, and a common medical term is hand dermatitis. It is a common skin condition that affects approximately 10% of the US population. It primarily affects the palms and typically progresses to other hand parts. The common symptoms reported by individuals with hand eczema include dry, itchy, and red skin, including the fingers. Moreover, blisters develop in some cases. 

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of hand eczema vary from one person to another. The same goes for the severity. The common factors to consider are age, medical history, and the environment. 

Here are the common symptoms of hand eczema:

• Dark or discolored skin patches
• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Cracking
• Itchiness
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Blisters
• Pustules
• Oozing from cracks in the skin
• Dryness

Causes

Hand allergies like hand eczema occur when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances. When this happens, symptoms like rashes and blisters appear. We’ve compiled the common causes of eczema below. 

Irritants and Chemicals

Various chemicals may cause hand allergies, such as detergents, solvents, and, yes, even water. Friction and temperature are also common causes of eczema. Exposure to heat or cold can trigger symptoms. Hand eczema is typically expected in healthcare workers. The same applies to hairdressers, cooks, construction workers, and cleaners. 

It is possible because of their exposure to chemicals and detergents.

Water

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, water is an irritant that could cause hand allergies. For individuals with hand eczema, water exposure is troublesome. This condition is related to aquagenic urticaria. However, more research is still needed.

Frequent handwashing may also increase the risk of developing hand eczema. Although keeping your hands clean is a good practice, it may reduce the natural oils in your skin, causing irritation. 

Stress

We all know that stress can cause many adverse health conditions. Hand allergies like eczema are one of them. When you’re stressed, your body produces and releases hormones called cortisol and epinephrine. These hormones suppress the function of your immune system, causing inflammation. 

Pompholyx Eczema

Another type of hand allergy that causes watery hand blisters is pompholyx eczema. It typically appears at the sides of the fingers (and feet). Stress is the common factor that causes this hand allergy. Moreover, nickel, chrome, or cobalt exposure can also trigger allergies. 

Treatments for Mild to Moderate Hand Allergy

Below is a compilation of common skin allergy treatments. 

Emollients

One of the most common treatments for skin allergy that doctors recommend is medical moisturizers called emollients. Emollients are highly efficient and widely available. You can purchase these moisturizers over the counter at your local pharmacy. These allergy medicines for the skin come in different forms, like creams, ointments, and gels.

Topical Steroids 

Topical steroids reduce inflammation caused by hand eczema. Moreover, these types of medication can treat and manage eczema for as short as 2 weeks. Topical steroids are moderately efficient in children too. 

Treatments for Severe Hand Allergy

Severe cases of hand allergies require potent medications. Below are some examples of the best skin rashes remedy.

Alitretinoin 

Your allergist may prescribe Alitretinoin or Toctino if the other treatments do not work. This oral medication efficiently reduces the symptoms of chronic hand eczema with lasting effects. 

UV Therapy

This treatment works by using UV lights to treat the symptoms of hand eczema. The process typically takes 2-3 times a week until the symptoms disappear. It is safe for adults and children.

Home Remedies

Home remedies for rashes are ideal when you don’t have time to visit an allergist or don’t have over-the-counter medications. These techniques are inexpensive and efficient. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains antibacterial properties that help reduce the symptoms of hand allergies. It can also disinfect and heal wounds caused by hand eczema. This plan is often used as an efficient home remedy for itching rashes.

Honey

Like aloe vera, honey also contains antibacterial components that can help treat hand eczema. It efficiently reduces eczema lesions without side effects. 

Oatmeal

Oatmeal baths are effective in keeping your skin moisturized. It soothes skin inflammation and reduces itching. Mix oatmeal with lukewarm water, and you’re ready to go. 

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil has wound-healing properties that efficiently treat wounds in your hands from hand eczema. Apply it on the affected area after bathing for maximum results.

Additional Tips

Here are some practical tips that can help treat and manage hand allergies. 

• Use mild soaps and detergents without perfumes
• Avoid allergens and irritants at all times
• Always stay hydrated
• Wear gloves when washing the dishes
• Use an air humidifier at home to prevent dry skin and itchiness
• Bathe in lukewarm water, not hot
• Regularly apply moisturizers after handwashing
• Use petroleum jelly to protect your skin
• Eat anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, fish, beans, and leafy greens.
• Apply sunscreen to protect exposed skin
• Remove rings when washing hands
• Use cotton gloves in winter to prevent dry and cracked skin.
• Stock up on skin allergy medicine

Don’t Let Hand Allergies Affect Your Quality of Life

Brazos Valley Allergy and Asthma Clinics offer top-notch allergy testing to provide you with proper treatment. We prioritize your health based on your personal needs. 

Our allergists treat and manage hand eczema using conventional and innovative techniques with years of experience under their belts. Get rid of hand allergies and improve your quality of life. Book an appointment today.

Choose your preferred clinic location here.