A hand rash is a skin condition that can be the result of many causes like an allergic reaction, exposure to irritating chemicals, or a health condition like eczema. It may be discolored, itchy, or painful. The treatment will depend on the cause and can include moisturizers, steroid cream, or prescription medication.
This article will discuss the possible causes and treatments for a hand rash. It will also cover when to contact a healthcare provider.
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What Does a Hand Rash Look Like?
A hand rash can manifest in many ways based on the underlying cause. Some of the common characteristics of a hand rash are:
- Itchy: The rash is often itchy.
- Erythema: This is discoloration due to dilation of the blood vessels near the surface of the skin. It may appear red with lighter skin tones, purple with darker skin tones, or be difficult to see with very dark skin tones.
- Area: The size of the rash will vary. It may have well-defined borders or be more patchy.
- Bumps or blisters: Hand rashes can develop bumps or fluid-filled blisters.
- Pain or discomfort: The rash can be painful or uncomfortable.
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Potential Hand Rash Causes
Hand rashes have many potential causes, including the 12 that follow.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
One of the most common causes of hand rashes is irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation caused when skin comes into contact with certain substances. It may present with:
- Burning or pain
- Color changes (often red with lighter skin tones, purple or not apparent with darker skin tones)
- Papules (raised, solid lesions)
- Swelling
- Blistering (fluid-filled lesions)
Irritant contact dermatitis will only develop where the skin touches the irritating substance. So, the rash is generally localized and has defined borders.
Examples of substances that can cause irritant contact dermatitis are:
- Cleaning products
- Industrial chemicals
- Soaps
- Skincare products
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a type of rash caused by an allergic reaction. The rash can be found on the hands and other places on the body.
This type of allergic reaction is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that typically occurs 48 to 72 hours after exposure. The rash's appearance will vary based on the allergen but tends to appear with the following characteristics:
- Discoloration (red in lighter skin tones, purple or other hues in darker skin tones)
- Itching
- Blisters
- Swelling
The rash usually only appears where the allergen has come into contact with the skin. This results in a rash with well-defined borders.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis, are life-threatening reactions to various substances. The reaction comes on quickly. Some common allergens that cause anaphylaxis are foods, insect stings, and medications.
One of the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction is a skin rash. The skin may feel hot, and the rash may be discolored (red to purple) and itchy. There may also be some swelling.
Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, coughing, and fainting. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you are with is having an anaphylactic reaction.
Hives
Hives are raised patches on the skin. In lighter or medium skin tones, they appear pink or red. In darker skin tones, they may be lighter or darker than the usual skin color.
Hives are very itchy and widely range in size. Hives may come and go but are typically harmless. They can be found almost anywhere on the body, including the hands.
In rare circ*mstances, hives are associated with angioedema (a type of swelling) of the mouth or throat. This is a medical emergency. If this is happening to you or someone you are with, call 911 immediately.
Eczema
Hand eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy, dry, scaly patches on the skin. The skin can become cracked and quite painful. It is often mistaken for dry skin.
The causes of hand eczema will vary from person to person. Some common causes are:
- Frequent hand washing or frequently having wet hands
- Chemicals, such as detergents or solvents
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes patches of gray or silver-colored skin scales on lighter skin and dark brown or a purplish gray on darker skin. The skin may be reddened or discolored under the scales.
Psoriasis is caused by the immune system triggering skin cells to grow faster, accumulating dead skin cells on the skin's surface. Psoriasis is often found on the elbows, knees, and trunk, but can be found anywhere on the body, including the hands.
Sunburn
Often, your hands are uncovered when you are in the sun, which can lead to a sunburn. Unlike other types of burns, sunburns do not immediately appear. The symptoms tend to start about four hours after exposure and get better after about three to five days.
The symptoms of sunburn include:
- Redness in people of light or medium skin tones and a deeper color than surrounding skin in darker skin tones
- Swelling
- Pain
- Warm and tender skin
- Peeling skin
- Blisters
To prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen on your hands and, when possible, keep them covered.
Peeling Skin Syndrome
Peeling skin syndrome is a rare genetic condition, with only approximately two dozen reported cases. It is a condition in which the top layer of the skin peels. It is painless and most often reported on the hands and feet.
Peeling skin syndrome tends to begin soon after birth but can start later in life.
Tinea Manuum
Tinea manuum is a fungal skin condition that causes a discolored patch. On darker skin tones, it can be brown or gray, and on lighter skin tomes, it often is pink to red.
There may be skin peeling, dryness, and itching. Oftentimes, there is a clear area in the middle of the rash. Tinea manuum is caused by the same fungal infection that causes athlete's foot and ringworm.
One of the unique characteristics of tinea manuum is that it tends to only affect one hand.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a skin condition that may or may not have a known cause. Some of the known causes are:
- Hepatitis C
- Certain medications
- Autoimmune diseases
The symptoms lichen planus are:
- Flat-topped bumps, may be pigmented red to purple in lighter skin tones but may not be discolored in darker skin tones
- Itching
- Scales or white lines near the bumps
Lichen planus can occur in the mouth, nails, scalp, and skin. When it occurs on the skin, it is most commonly seen on the wrist, ankles, arms, and back.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood infection. It causes a fever, mouth sores, and rash that is often seen on the hands and feet. The rash appears as flat or raised spots that are not itchy. The spots can be darker than the surrounding skin in people with darker skin tones and pink or red in people with lighter skin tones. The rash spots can blister.
HFMD is a contagious viral disease that is spread through oral secretions, feces, and the fluid found in the HFMD blisters.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. Group AStreptococcus is the most common cause, but different types of bacteria can cause it. The symptoms of cellulitis are:
- Swollen skin
- Red color in lighter skin tones, may not have obvious discoloration in darker skin tones
- Pain
- Warm to the touch
- Skin pitting, like the peel of an orange
Cellulitis is typically seen on the feet and legs. But can appear anywhere on the body.
Common Treatment Options
Hand rashes should be seen by a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. The provider will examine the rash, do a physical exam, and ask questions regarding your health history.
Treatment will vary based on its cause. Some of the treatment options that may be prescribed or suggested are:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) creams and moisturizers
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Steroid cream
- Calamine lotion
- Antifungal creams for fungal infections
- Colloidal oatmeal
Can You Prevent Hand Rashes?
While it may not be possible to prevent every hand rash, there are plenty of ways to avoid triggers and reduce the likelihood of irritating the skin.
For hand rashes caused by underlying health conditions, make sure to follow a healthcare provider's treatment instructions. Take all prescription or OTC medications and keep follow-up appointments. Other practical tips to prevent hand rashes include:
- Avoid triggers.
- Use fragrance-free moisturizers.
- Wear gloves when gardening or using irritating substances or chemicals.
- Keep hands protected from dry, cold weather.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
A hand rash can develop due to something as simple as cold weather, or it may indicate a more severe underlying condition.
A healthcare provider should be seen when the rash is persistent or worsens. Below are other indications that someone should see a healthcare provider for their hand rash:
- Fever
- A rash that spreads
- Painful
- Blisters or open wounds
Summary
Hand rashes have many causes. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause and can include moisturizers, steroid creams, and prescription medications. Contact a healthcare provider if the rash does not improve with home remedies, if it worsens, or if there are symptoms in addition to the rash.
