Hand Eczema Treatment for Prevention and Management

September 2025

At-Home Care and When to See a Dermatologist 

Hand eczema is one of the most common types of eczema – and possibly one of the most frustrating. Think about how often we use our hands each day. If you add in the irritation, itching, redness, and sensitivity symptoms that are trademarks of eczema, regular tasks suddenly can become much more difficult.  

Plus, our hands are exposed to potential irritants like soap, shampoo, and cleaning supplies that can become triggers, worsening hand eczema symptoms or causing flare-ups.  

During Eczema Awareness Month in October, we’ve partnered with board-certified dermatologist at our Bloomington, IN location Dr. Andrew Scripture to share practical tips to help you manage hand eczema at home, along with guidance on when to seek care from a dermatologist. 

What is Hand Eczema, and What Causes It? 

Hand eczema is a type of eczema, a common, non-contagious skin condition that causes the skin to lose its ability to act as a barrier, initiating an inflammatory response.  

When eczema occurs on the hands, the barrier function that provides needed protection is weakened, leaving the skin open to irritation, dryness, or even infection. 

While hand eczema can manifest differently for different people, common symptoms include: 

• Redness, swelling, pain, or discomfort 

• Itching, especially at night 

• Dry, scaly, cracked skin, blisters, or bumpy patches 

• Bumps filled with fluid 

• Thickening of the skin or nails 

• Sensitivity to touch 

Hand eczema often develops in individuals who have a history of sensitive skin, which may have involved other parts of the body. Common areas affected by eczema are the face, arms, or legs.   

Given the symptoms, hand eczema can understandably be quite uncomfortable and interfere with everyday life. However, it is manageable with the right treatment.  

Hand Eczema Treatment: Understanding Triggers 

Because eczema is an inflammatory response to a trigger and will continue to flare up as long as the trigger is present, individuals suffering with hand eczema should try to understand what triggers might be causing symptoms. 

For many people, flare-ups are caused by everyday exposures such as: 

Frequent handwashing or hand sanitizer use: While important for hygiene, over-washing can dehydrate the skin. Try washing your hands only when necessary and using gloves while washing dishes. 

Dish soaps and laundry detergents: Harsh surfactants present in some dish soaps and detergents can strip away natural oils and worsen hand eczema symptoms. Wear gloves or swap your household products for gentler, eczema-friendly options. 

Household cleaners: Even “gentle” sprays and wipes may cause irritation when brought into direct contact with skin. It’s best to use gloves when cleaning to prevent and minimize exposure. If exposure to a household cleaning product does occur, rinse it off well with lukewarm water as quickly as possible.   

Lotions with fragrance or alcohol: Give your hand lotion collection a once-over and check for potentially irritating ingredients such as dyes, fragrances, and drying alcohols like ethanol that can inflame sensitive skin. Swap your triggering lotion for an eczema-friendly formula. An easy rule of thumb is to look for the National Eczema Association seal of approval and reach for a product that comes in a container with a twist off lid. 

Temperature changes and dry air: Low humidity in colder months often worsens symptoms by exacerbating skin dryness. Apply an eczema-friendly moisturizing cream at night and in the morning, and wear gloves to protect your hands from harsh wind and cold temperatures. 

Identifying and minimizing contact with these irritants can make a big difference in controlling hand eczema. We know there’s no way to stop washing your hands (please don’t!) or your dishes, but protecting your hands and being mindful of exposures can help bring your hand eczema under control.  

Hand Eczema Treatment: At-Home Care 

If you’re dealing with dryness, redness, itching, or cracked skin on your hands, you can take steps at home to relieve discomfort, even if you haven’t identified a specific trigger.  

1. Moisturize Frequently 

Swap your lotion for a fragrance-free, thick cream or ointment, as this type of product will better protect and help restore the skin barrier. Apply after every handwash and before bed for a more concentrated effect. 

2. Use Gentle Cleansers 

Opt for mild, fragrance-free soaps for handwashing and in the shower. Avoid antibacterial or heavily-scented products that can strip the skin of its protective barrier and contribute to dryness and cracking. 

3. Protect Your Hands 

During household chores like washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, or doing laundry, wear cotton gloves under waterproof gloves to create a barrier against direct product exposure. 

4. Keep Hands Out of Hot Water 

Hot water can exacerbate skin dryness and irritation; use lukewarm water when washing your hands or in the shower to protect the skin barrier.  

5. Watch for Product Triggers 

Check labels on lotions, soaps, and detergents. As we mentioned, products with drying alcohols, dyes, or strong fragrances are common culprits for hand eczema flare-ups. 

When to See a Dermatologist 

Fortunately, many cases of hand eczema improve with consistent at-home care; however, there are times when symptoms won’t budge or just keep getting worse.   

If you’re not seeing any improvement in your hand eczema symptoms, professional treatment is likely needed. Not sure when you should see a dermatologist? If any of the following statements are true for you, it’s time: 

• Your symptoms haven’t improved after several weeks of at-home care. 

• The itching, pain, or cracking on your hands is making it difficult to sleep or perform daily tasks. 

• You’re noticing signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or warmth. 

• You’re still unsure which products or exposures might be triggering your flare-ups. 

A dermatologist can provide personalized treatment, which may include prescription creams, prescription biologics, oral medications, or patch testing to identify specific allergens. Even if you end up not needing any of those more personalized options, it’s always best to get a professional opinion about your specific eczema symptoms.  

Hand eczema can be disruptive, but with the right combination of at-home care and professional support, you can reduce flare-ups and protect your skin. If you’re struggling to manage hand eczema, Optima Dermatology is here to help with personalized care tailored to your needs. 

At Optima Dermatology, our experienced providers are committed to your care and are here to help you, listen to you – and take action. Schedule an appointment with one of our providers to discuss your skin concerns.