Hand Eczema in Homemakers: Detergents, Wet Work and Cooking
Hand eczema in homemakers is usually irritant dermatitis from repeated wet work, detergents and food handling. Learn what helps and when to see a dermatologist.
Condition guide
Hand eczema
Also known as Housewife dermatitis, Hand dermatitis, Irritant contact dermatitis, Dry cracked hands.
In short
Hand eczema, also called hand dermatitis, is inflammation of the skin of the hands that makes it dry, rough, cracked, itchy or burning. In people who cook, wash utensils and clean at home it is most often irritant contact dermatitis, where repeated contact with water, soaps, detergents and food wears down the skin barrier, which is why it is often called housewife dermatitis. It tends to improve when the hands are protected with gloves, moisturised often and any allergy is found with a patch test, and steroid creams should only be used under a doctor's guidance.
Typical signs
- Dry, rough, scaly skin, especially on the fingertips and backs of the hands
- Painful cracks on the fingertips, knuckles or palms that bleed while cooking
- Redness, which on brown skin may look dark brown, purple or grey
- Itching or burning, often worse after washing or handling food
- Tiny itchy blisters on the sides of the fingers and palms
- Thickened, darker skin in long standing eczema
When to see a dermatologist
- Your hands do not improve after two to three weeks of gloves and regular moisturising
- You have painful cracks that bleed or stop you from cooking or working
- There are blisters, oozing, yellow crusts, pus or spreading redness, which can mean infection
- The rash keeps returning with housework, particular foods or products
- You have already used steroid or combination creams without a diagnosis
- Only one hand is affected, or the feet and nails are also involved
Signs vary from person to person and several skin conditions look alike. Only an examination can confirm a diagnosis.
Read the guides
Full, referenced articles on hand eczema written for Indian skin, with answers to common questions.
Worried about hand eczema?
Book an online consultation with Dr. Maria Ansari for an assessment and a written care plan made for you.
This page is a short summary for general education and does not replace a consultation with a qualified dermatologist. Do not start, stop or change any medicine based on this page. Read the full medical disclaimer.