Definition
In general, eczema on the hand is very common. Neurodermatitis – also known as atopic eczema – occurs in relapses. This means that eczema on the hand can occur again and again. Since the skin is much more sensitive in the case of neurodermatitis, eczema can often be triggered by various substances such as cleaning agents or cosmetics. If the neurodermatitis only occurs on the hands and nowhere else on typical body parts (such as the crook of the arm or the hollow of the knee), an allergic contact eczema or a fungal disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis.
Possible causes
Why neurodermatitis occurs is not yet sufficiently understood, but it is due to a genetic predisposition. In addition, various factors can trigger the eczema. These include exposure to dust, which can occur for example when cleaning or in very dusty rooms.
Excessively warm hands, for example when wearing gloves and sweating at the same time, can also trigger eczema. Emotional strain and stress can also lead to neurodermatitis on the hands. Dry skin, as it often occurs in the cold winter months, can also provoke the appearance of eczema. Since the skin is very sensitive in the case of neurodermatitis, contact with various substances such as cleaning agents, cosmetics, disinfectants, shampoo or scratchy clothing can trigger a rash on the hands.
The accompanying symptoms
Neurodermatitis on the hands is accompanied by severe itching and dry skin. In addition, in addition to the skin rash, the skin may also thicken. So-called shiny nails or even polishing nails can occur due to constant scratching.
The nails then show a shiny surface. Furthermore, the fingertips can flake, which is also called pulpitis sicca. Various stigmata indicate a predisposition for neurodermatitis: a double fold of the lower eyelid (Dennie Morgan sign), thinning of the lateral eyebrows (Hertoghe sign) or a deep hairline can indicate neurodermatitis.
In addition, it is also possible that, in addition to neurodermatitis, those affected may also have asthmal problems or a pollen allergy. Often other allergies, such as to food, are also found in those affected. The skin rash on the hands is also characterized by certain features.
In addition to dry and very itchy skin areas, a blistery, knotty redness forms. Scratching causes crusts to form on the affected areas. In addition, the skin can also become wet.
Superficial skin defects heal and can then manifest themselves as hyperpigmentation. This means that these areas are darker in color than the rest of the healthy skin. The itching is very severe and often represents a torture for those affected.
The itching is usually so unbearable that the skin is even scratched open with blood. It can become worse when heat accumulates, for example when wearing gloves. In order to prevent scratching as a reaction to the itching and thus to prevent further damage to the skin, the treatment of itching is very important.
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