From the Guidelines
The medical name for eczema on the fingers and hands is atopic dermatitis (AD) or hand eczema. This condition causes inflammation of the skin characterized by redness, itching, dryness, and sometimes painful cracks or blisters. According to the most recent guidelines, AD is a chronic, pruritic inflammatory skin disease that occurs most frequently in children, but also affects many adults 1.
Key Characteristics of Atopic Dermatitis
- Chronic and pruritic inflammatory skin disease
- Often associated with a personal or family history of allergic rhinitis and asthma
- Diagnosis is usually made clinically, but alternative or concomitant causes of dermatitis should be considered and evaluated via comprehensive history taking and physical exam 1
Treatment and Management
Treatment typically includes avoiding triggers like irritants and allergens, using gentle fragrance-free soaps, applying moisturizers frequently, and using topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone 1% or triamcinolone 0.1% cream twice daily for 1-2 weeks during flares. For more severe cases, prescription-strength corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus, or phototherapy may be needed 1.
Prevention and Protection
Wearing cotton gloves under vinyl or nitrile gloves when doing wet work can help protect the skin. Hand eczema often results from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors that disrupt the skin barrier, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to penetrate, triggering inflammation. Consistent moisturizing, even when symptoms improve, is crucial for long-term management. The most recent guidelines emphasize the importance of personalized treatment approaches, considering the severity of the disease, patient preferences, and potential side effects of treatments 1.