You pull down your sleeves to try to cover the redness and flaking. Every time you open a door or wash the dishes, you have to think twice: Flaring on your hands means constantly being extra careful to avoid triggers and anything that could make things worse.
If you have eczema on your hands, you know it can be challenging to care for because they're constantly exposed to the elements. Keeping them hydrated and protected is key in making sure the barrier stays strong.
Here's what to know about hand eczema, including how to make the most of supporting the skin with patches.
If the skin on your hands is starting to crack, it may be Active Flare. Take the Flare Quiz to check your stage in 60 seconds.
What Causes Hand Eczema?
The hands are one of the most common flare sites: According to the National Eczema Association, about 14.5% of people worldwide experience hand eczema. Unless you're wearing gloves, you can't cover them with clothing. If you're in Active Flare, you know it's important to keep the area clean—but washing your hands with hot water can quickly dry them out, and soaps can contain irritants.
How to Support Hand Eczema
Along with typical symptoms like redness, inflammation, itching, and dryness, the skin on the hands is delicate and prone to cracking. To combat this, you should consistently use a thick moisturizer or emollient, use lukewarm water, and avoid fragrance and harsh ingredients. If you're cleaning or doing something that exposes your hands to irritants, the NEA recommends wearing cotton or vinyl gloves to protect them.
Using Eczema Patches on Your Hands
Eczema patches are designed to reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and lock in moisture, which makes them a great option if you deal with hand eczema. The hydrocolloid in Surge patch can help protect your Active Flare by providing a physical barrier from dry air, weather, and scratching. It also helps keep out bacteria, so you don't have to worry as much about infection. Just make sure the area is clean and dry when you apply any patch.
Surge is made of hydrocolloid to retain moisture and protect your Active Flare from scratching and external irritants.
FAQs
What causes eczema on the hands?
Hand eczema is quite common, with 14.5% of people experiencing it worldwide. It's typically triggered by constant exposure to the elements and irritants, hot water, and harsh soaps.
How do you heal cracked hands from eczema?
Consistently apply a rich moisturizer or emollient to the affected area, use lukewarm water, and avoid triggers like fragrance and alcohol in skincare products. You can also wear patches to protect the spot and retain moisture.
Should you wear gloves if you have hand eczema?
It's not a must to wear gloves, but they can be helpful during an Active Flare if you're cleaning or doing an activity that involves water. Avoid latex and opt for cotton or vinyl.
How should you wash your hands if you have eczema?
Use lukewarm water, gentle soap with no fragrance, and apply lotion afterward to rehydrate.
