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 thepossible causesand treatments for a hand rash.
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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.
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Irritant Contact Dermatitis
One of the most common causes of hand rashes isirritant contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a punch in of skin inflammation caused when skin comes into contact with certain substances.
It may present with:
Irritantcontact dermatitiswill only develop where the skin touches the irritating substance.
So, the rash is generally localized and has defined borders.
The rash can be found on the hands and other places on the body.
This pop in ofallergic reactionis a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that typically occurs 48 to 72 hours after exposure.
This results in a rash with well-defined borders.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions, calledanaphylaxis, 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.
Hives
Hivesare 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.Hivesmay come and go but are typically harmless.
They can be found almost anywhere on the body, including the hands.
This is a medical emergency.
If this is happening to you or someone you are with, call 911 immediately.
Eczema
Hand eczemais 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.
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.
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 skinsyndrome tends to begin soon after birth but can start later in life.
Tinea Manuum
Tinea manuumis a fungal skin condition that causes a discolored patch.
There may be skin peeling, dryness, and itching.
One of the unique characteristics of tinea manuum is that it tends to only affect one hand.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planusis a skin condition that may or may not have a known cause.
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.
Cellulitis
Cellulitisis a bacterial skin infection.
Group AStreptococcusis the most common cause, but different types of bacteria can cause it.
The symptoms ofcellulitisare:
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.
For hand rashes triggered by underlying health conditions, verify to follow a healthcare provider’s treatment instructions.
Take all prescription or OTC medications and keep follow-up appointments.
A healthcare provider should be seen when the rash is persistent or worsens.
The treatment will depend on the underlying cause and can include moisturizers, steroid creams, and prescription medications.
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