Hand dermatitis, also known as hand eczema, is a common and often chronic sore and itchy condition that interferes with work and everyday activities.

It often results from a combination of causes, including a family tendency to dermatitis, skin contact with irritants such as cleaning fluids as well as allergy. Hand dermatitis is particularly common in industries involving cleaning, catering, metalwork, hairdressing, healthcare and mechanical work.

Management includes the identification (and avoidance) of those materials and situations that flare up the complaint.

Treatments include creams, narrowband phototherapy and rarely tablets.

By the time patients seek help from a dermatologists, they’ve usually ‘tried it all’. Don’t worry, most patients can expect to get their hand dermatitis under much better control with the help of a dermatologist.