What it is
It is common in jobs where hands are often wet or in contact with chemicals, such as hairdressing, cleaning and healthcare.
Avoiding the trigger is the most important step. Emollients and steroid creams help the skin heal. Patch testing can identify an allergy.
Common signs
- Red, itchy, dry or cracked skin
- Blisters or weeping skin
- A burning or stinging feeling
- A rash in the area that touched the substance
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about exposures at home and work
- Patch testing by a dermatologist
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Patch test results, including the list of allergens
- Notes about work exposures
- Treatments that helped
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is causing it?
- Should I have patch testing?
- How do I protect my skin at work?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.