Diagnosis
In order to make the diagnosis of “hand eczema“, a detailed questioning of the patient’s medical history (anamnesis) must first take place. Among other things, the symptoms that occur and how frequently they occur play a role. It is also important to know which substances come into contact with the hands in everyday life or whether a substance is already suspected to cause the hand eczema.
Other diseases or skin disorders that occur in the family are also important for the diagnosis. The next step is usually an examination of the skin using a so-called epicutaneous test. For this, small amounts of allergenic substances are applied to the back with a plaster. After a few days, it is possible to see whether the skin has reacted to certain substances with an inflammatory reaction such as redness or blistering. However, an allergy is not always the cause of hand eczema, which is why other examinations such as blood tests and the like may follow.
Prognosis and prophylaxis
In principle, hand eczema has a good prognosis, as it is usually curable. However, in many cases the healing process is very long, as the cause of the disease must first be found. Occupational and private contact with harmful substances should be avoided if possible in order to prevent a renewed worsening of the hand eczema.
Since hand eczema is a skin disease that is often caused by work, it is not uncommon for a patient to be taken off sick so that a cure and adequate treatment is possible at all. An allergy test can also be useful in some cases. If an allergy to certain contact substances is known to be present in things like costume jewelry, cosmetics or ointments, these substances should be avoided.
