Hand eczema treatment — causes from washing, sanitisers and work, and a step-by-step plan

Key facts

• Washing, sanitisers and wet work damage the barrier
• Allergy may need patch testing
• Moisturise after every wash
• Protective gloves for wet work
• Treatment follows a step-by-step ladder

Why hand eczema develops

The skin on the hands faces constant challenges. Frequent washing, hot water, soaps, alcohol-based sanitisers, detergents and wet work strip away natural oils and damage the skin barrier, causing irritant contact dermatitis, the most common type. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the immune system reacts to a specific substance, such as rubber accelerators in gloves, preservatives, fragrances, hair dyes or certain metals. People with a history of atopic eczema are more prone to hand eczema at any age. Some patterns, such as small itchy blisters on the sides of the fingers, can be triggered by sweat and stress. Often several factors combine.

Getting the right diagnosis

Hand rashes are not always eczema. Fungal infection, psoriasis and scabies can look similar and need very different treatments. Dr. Abdullah Anis examines the pattern, asks about your work, hobbies, products and timing of flares, and may recommend tests. When an allergy is suspected, patch testing can identify substances you react to so you can avoid them; this may involve referral to a centre that performs patch testing. Knowing whether irritation, allergy or both are involved is often the key to lasting improvement, because no cream can fully overcome repeated exposure to a trigger.

Step 1 and 2: protection and moisturising

The first steps are the foundation of any plan. Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle soap substitute, dry carefully including between the fingers, and apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser after every wash and before bed. When skin is clean and not visibly soiled, a sanitiser is generally gentler than repeated soap washing, but moisturise afterwards. Wear cotton-lined protective gloves for wet work and cleaning, and remove them if sweat builds up inside. Avoid wearing rings during wet work. Overnight moisturising under cotton gloves can help very dry, cracked skin. These steps reduce flares and help other treatments work better.

Step 3 and 4: anti-inflammatory and advanced treatments

Flares are usually treated with topical corticosteroids, often stronger ones for the thick skin of the palms, used for a set period under medical guidance, then stepped down. Non-steroid creams may be used for maintenance. Infected cracks may need antiseptic or antibiotic treatment. For chronic hand eczema that does not respond to optimal skin care and topical treatment, options can include phototherapy through a referral centre or oral medicines, including certain modern targeted treatments, which require specialist assessment and monitoring. Dr. Abdullah Anis will explain where you are on this ladder and what the next steps could be.

Living and working with hand eczema

Hand eczema often improves when the plan becomes part of your routine rather than a short course. Keep a small moisturiser at your workplace and in your car, and discuss practical protection with your employer if your work involves frequent wet tasks. Continue moisturising even when your hands look better. Seek prompt medical review if the skin becomes very painful, swollen, weepy or crusted with yellow crusts, if red streaks appear, or if you develop fever, as these may indicate infection. Dr. Abdullah Anis, a specialist dermatologist with more than 25 years of experience, provides clear written plans for long-term control.

Eczema and psoriasis are chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Good control comes from an accurate diagnosis, a clear plan for flares, and daily skin care that suits the UAE climate.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Abdullah Anis

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.