Eczema Knowledge Hub

Hand eczema is one of the most common and most disabling forms of eczema in adults. The hands are in constant use — we wash them, wet them, touch everything, and expose them to countless products throughout the day. For anyone with eczema-prone skin, that constant exposure adds up quickly.

What hand eczema looks like

Hand eczema can take several forms. Some people develop dry, cracked, scaly patches — particularly on the backs of the hands or around the knuckles. Others experience a type called dyshidrotic eczema (also known as pompholyx), where tiny, intensely itchy blisters form on the palms, fingers, and sometimes the soles of the feet before bursting and leaving raw, peeling skin.^[1] In severe cases, the skin can crack deeply and bleed, making everyday tasks like gripping a cup or typing painful.

Why hands are particularly vulnerable

The hands face a combination of triggers unlike any other part of the body. Frequent handwashing strips the skin barrier repeatedly throughout the day. Wet work — cooking, cleaning, caring for young children, or working in healthcare — keeps the skin damp for long periods, which weakens it over time.^[2] Rubber gloves worn to "protect" the hands can trap sweat and moisture, and paradoxically make things worse. Exposure to cleaning products, soaps, and even some hand sanitisers compounds the problem.

Managing hand eczema

The foundation of treatment is the same as for eczema anywhere: keep the skin moisturised and reduce the triggers that damage it. Some practical adjustments make a real difference:

• Apply a thick, fragrance-free hand cream or ointment after every handwash. Keep a small tube near every sink.
• Use lukewarm water, not hot water, for washing hands. Pat dry gently rather than rubbing.
• Wear cotton-lined gloves for wet work, and limit how long your hands stay wet.
• Avoid harsh soaps and high-alcohol hand gels when possible — use gentle, fragrance-free alternatives.
• If you work in a role involving a lot of wet work, speak to your doctor early. Occupational hand eczema gets harder to treat the longer it is left.^[2]

When hand eczema is flaring, medicated creams prescribed by your doctor may be needed to calm the inflammation. Do not try to pop blisters — this increases the risk of infection. With the right routine and guidance, hand eczema can be managed, even when it feels relentless.