The Skin on the hands is continuous with the rest of the body, however it  does have to contend with greater environmental stresses because we touch a range of objects and substances a day. Those substances may be an irritants, others may cause tissue damage and they may also be allergens. It is uncommon to get itching of the hands with or without a rash. Sometimes, the rash on fingers may develop for short time for no known reason. At other times, it can be a recurrent problem which should be diagnosed and treated.

What’s Causing Rash on fingers?

Dry Skin

Dryness of the skin is one of the most common causes of skin itching with or without a rash. Though, it is usually ignored as a possible cause. There are many factors that have a tendency to dry the skin including the use of antibacterial soaps or antiseptic hand sanitizers excessively. Due to occupational and  genetic factors, some people are more prone to dry skin than others.

Treatment

• Try to reduce the use of drying agents.
• Use barrier creams to protect the skin from the environment.
• Use Hand sanitizers in moderation.
• Use Moisturizers to restore the moisture in dry skin.

Skin Irritation

It is known that irritation of the skin arises when the skin make contact with certain substances and trigger inflammation  due to minor tissue damage. When rash develops because of irritation and not an allergic reaction,  it is known as irritant contact dermatitis. There are some substances that naturally irritate the skin even with brief exposure. Other substances like water or sweat have more chance to cause irritation with prolonged exposure.

Using soap or detergents is the common cause of irritant contact dermatitis of the hand. This can affect anybody, but it is more likely to occur in people who wash items as an occupation such as the restaurant staff who are dish washers.  So, this rash is known as dishpan hands.

Treatment

• Discontinue making contact with the substance to Remove the irritant.
• After contact with the irritant, wash your hands thoroughly.
• Use gloves to minimize contact between the skin and irritant.
• Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation.
• Use barrier applications to protect the skin. It can also block contact with the irritant to some extent.

Hand Allergies

The allergic skin reaction occurs when you come into contact with a substance that triggers the immune system. Then, Inflammation is  initiated as a result of the immune activity. Hand allergies  occurs in people who have a hypersensitivity to a harmless substance.

There is an allergic condition called atopic dermatitis than can be a skin reaction on the hand. It is common among young children and associated with conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma. The allergen in atopic dermatitis can be ingested and not make contact with the skin as is the case with contact dermatitis. The skin folds are more often affected with atopic dermatitis. The allergen includes foods like milk and wheat, or airborne substances like house dust mite.

Treatment

• Try to minimixe the contact with the allergens.
• Use emollients to protect the skin while it heals.
• Take antihistamines to reduce the allergic reaction and ease symptoms.
• Take corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Infections

The more common infections to involve the hand are bacterial and fungal infections. Bacterial infections can affect the follicles, skin surface and deeper under the skin. It usually occurs when there are breaks in the skin, particularly in people who have a weakened immune system.

Regarding to fungal infections, they are caused by dermatophytes, which is a type of fungus that has a predilection for human skin. Sometimes yeasts can be the cause of an infection.

Treatments

• Try to keep your hands as dry as possible because fungi thrive in warm moist environments.
• Use an antifungal topical agent to destroy the fungus and prevent recurrence.
• Take oral antifungal agents for severe infections.
• Use tea tree oil because it is effective in treating skin fungi.

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