Our hands are one of our most exposed parts of the external environment, especially for workers. Therefore, the protection of hands is significant. Eczema is one of the most common skin diseases on the hands, and workers who often work in humid environments, such as medical staff, cooks, homemakers, etc. Severe eczema will not only have obvious itching symptoms but also may affect the patient's physical and mental health.

What are the irritants that easily cause hand eczema?

1.Wet working environment (skin soaked in liquid or wearing gloves for more than 2 hours a day, or washing hands more than 20 times a day).

2. Chemical irritants, including detergents and surfactants, solvents, oxidants, alcohols, disinfectants, acids and bases, plastics, etc.

3. Physical stimuli, including metal tools, wood, fiberglass, plants, paper, and dust or soil.

4. Common sources of allergic substances, soaps, detergents, food, industrial solvents and oils, cement, metals, topical medicines, gloves, cosmetics, etc.

How to treat hand eczema?

Wearing gloves can protect hands from external irritants or allergens, but routine use of soap substitutes and frequent use of emollients is still required. Keep the inside of the glove dry while ensuring that the glove provides complete protection. Rubber or PVC gloves with cotton lining are sufficient for general use and housework. Even after eczema has healed, hands can still be very sensitive, so wearing cotton-lined rubber gloves is a must when working in wet conditions.

Of course, topical anti-inflammatory drugs (glucocorticoid ointment) can reduce inflammation and promote rash recovery, and are the preferred treatment drugs. For severe patients, short-term oral anti-inflammatory drugs, retinoids, or ultraviolet phototherapy are also required. A doctor will evaluate the cause of hand eczema and the characteristics of the rash and then prescribe appropriate treatment.