Hand eczema is not a specific type of eczema. Hand eczema is any type of eczema that occurs on the hands. The cause of an individual case of eczema cannot always be identified. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD, the link between stress and eczema needs further research. The AAD states that while stress does not cause atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema, it can "trigger a flare-up."
Wet Hands
Frequent or prolonged exposure to water can lead to hand eczema. The water removes the skin's protective oils, and this makes the skin more susceptible to eczema. Dishpan hands, a phrase used to describe hands that have become irritated from washing too many dishes, can actually be a form of hand eczema. Chronically wet hands can be an occupational hazard that increases the risk of hand eczema. Hair stylists, nurses and food preparation workers can have an increased risk of hand eczema. The AAD estimates that one in three nurses have hand eczema.
Irritants
Exposure to a wide variety of substances can cause hand eczema. Throughout the day, the hands often make contact with many potential irritants. The AAD explains that irritant contact dermatitis, a type of eczema, occurs when "a substance damages the skin faster than the skin can repair itself." Examples of substances that tend to irritate the skin include cleaners, solvents, shampoos and foods. Mild irritants typically require frequent exposure before causing hand eczema, but strong irritants can cause hand eczema upon initial contact.
Allergies
According to the AAD, more than 3,000 known allergens cause a reaction on the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that frequently affects the hands. Digging in the garden, touching objects, preparing food, and cleaning are common activities that can expose the hands to allergens. Some allergens such as poison ivy are relatively easy to identify and avoid. Other allergens can be more difficult to identify or avoid. Rubber accelerators, a known allergen, turn up in everyday objects such as garden hoses, kitchen utensils, and balloons.
Genetics
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that tends to run in families. A variety of gene combinations coupled with the right environmental triggers can cause hand eczema. Multiple studies have focused on the link between filaggrin gene, or FLG, mutations and hand eczema. In 2010 the "British Journal of Dermatology" published a study that concluded that the combination of atopic dermatitis and filaggrin null gene mutations "was strongly associated with early onset of hand eczema and hand eczema persistence."
