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According to the National Eczema Association, approximately 10% of the U.S. population is affected by hand eczema. This common condition may involve red, cracked, dry hands that are itchy or painful and may even blister. Every winter, our providers see many children and adults who struggle with hand eczema.
Tips for Dealing with Hand Eczema
Let’s discuss the 5 Don’ts when dealing with dry hands this winter:
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Don’t wash your hands too much
Did you know that frequent contact with water through repeatedly washing your hands can actually cause hand eczema, even if you’ve never had eczema before? Just putting your hands through a constant wet-dry cycle multiple times daily will strip your skin of natural oils, leaving a broken skin barrier that is more prone to inflammation.
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Don’t choose the wrong products
When dealing with dry, eczema-prone skin, choose mild, fragrance-free skin cleansers such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Vanicream Gentle Body Wash. To moisturize, avoid lotions, which are water-based and too light to make a difference. Instead, choose creams or ointments, which are thicker, oil-based and seal in moisture. Consider CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, CeraVe Healing Ointment or Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. Adding a thick layer before bed with a pair of cotton gloves can make your hands feel amazing in the morning.
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Don’t do housework without gloves
While I would wholeheartedly agree that avoiding housework, cleaning and cooking could make a significant improvement in hand eczema, it’s just not real life! Instead, wear gloves appropriate to the task. Keep dishwashing gloves by the kitchen sink and with your cleaning supplies. Consider disposable food-prep gloves when you are preparing veggies and meats. Diaper duty? Donning a disposable nitrile glove can make all the difference. Try wearing gloves for a week and see the positive impact this new habit can make.
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Don’t assume that hand sanitizer is bad for you
Most of my patients are shocked when I recommend hand sanitizer over repeated hand washing. The 15 million health care employees nationwide would agree that it is much better to use hand sanitizer 50+ times a day than wash our hands 50+ times a day. We certainly do wash our hands throughout the day, but using hand sanitizer can thoroughly clean the skin without leaving our skin dry and stripped of oil. The key is to find hand sanitizers that contain moisturizers like glycerin and aloe vera. Honest Free and Clear Hand Sanitizer Spray and Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Naturals are two good options. If your skin is too dry and cracked to even think about hand sanitizers, moisturize often and then try to slowly work them into your day.
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Don’t suffer alone!
If you are already following all these recommendations, but are still struggling with dry cracked skin, blisters or eczema, you are not alone! Not all cases of hand eczema are simple or straightforward. Some hand eczema can be caused by allergies and may require allergy testing to determine which products are safe for you to use. Our dedicated team of dermatologists and dermatology advanced practice providers are here to help make a personalized treatment plan to help heal your skin.
Talk to a Dermatology Professional
At Vanguard Skin Specialists, we have over twenty dermatology professionals ready to help you deal with your skin concerns. From eczema to skin cancer, our professionals have seen it all and they are passionate about helping our patients feel comfortable and confident in their skin. Call us at 719-355-1585 or schedule an appointment online today!
Rachel Frederickson is a Dermatology Physician Assistant in the Vanguard Castle Rock dermatology office. She has been practicing dermatology for over 20 years. To schedule an appointment with Rachel or a Castle Rock dermatologist, call (720) 615-6400.
Vanguard Skin Specialists has offices throughout southern Colorado.
