Symptoms

The main symptom of the rash is the visible change in the skin on the hands. Depending on the cause, they differ visually. The range of possible manifestations is wide and extends from blisters and swellings to redness, scales, spots etc.

Itching, pain or burning may accompany the skin. In the case of infectious diseases, such as hand-foot-mouth disease or shingles (herpes zoster), so-called “systemic” symptoms of the organism occur in addition to the skin rash on the hands. These may include fever, inflammation of the oral mucosa or fatigue.

At first, the appearance of blisters on the hands can give those affected a real fright. In most cases, however, the rash is harmless and looks worse than it actually is. Vesicles primarily occur in cases of very severe contact dermatitis of the hands.

Usually this skin change is preceded by a reddening of the affected area. Small blisters, about the size of a pinhead, then develop. They are filled with clear liquid and sometimes itch and burn considerably.

This results in an almost involuntary “scratch reflex” – the blisters burst open and wet. If the trigger (e.g. cleaning agent) is subsequently avoided, healing occurs with the formation of crusts. In the context of a toxic contact eczema or neurodermatitis, a so-called “dyshidroic” eczema can occur.

Typical are very itchy blisters on the palm of the hand which are arranged in groups. You can find more information on this topic here: Skin rash with blistersSkin rash on the hands with itching can be very annoying for those affected. Often they can hardly pull themselves together and scratch the annoying rash almost automatically.

The vast majority of skin rashes on the hands are associated with itching. Unfortunately, repeated scratching can cause microscopic wounds. Pathogens thus get into the skin and can cause infections.

In order to relieve the itching, the cause of the skin rash must first of all be found out. With contact eczema, the triggering substances should be strictly avoided. Under certain circumstances, ointments containing cortisone are suitable as a bridging agent.

In severe cases, the use of appropriate cortisone tablets must be considered. Sometimes cooling compresses alleviate the tormenting itching. As a rule, rashes on the hands without accompanying itching are rarely observed.

Often the lack of itching tends to indicate a temporary, brief irritation of the skin. An exception is the scaly skin rash on the palms of the hands and feet after surviving scarlet fever. Especially children between the ages of 4 and 10 fall ill with the infection transmitted by bacteria (streptococci).Characteristic is a sore throat with high fever, “strawberry tongue” and a fine, red skin rash all over the body. In the 2nd-4th week of the disease the characteristic and scaly rash on the hands can be observed. In case of corresponding complaints, also carry out our self-test rash: