Hand Eczema & Contact Dermatitis: Causes, Care, and Dermatologist‑Approved Solutions in the UAE

Hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis or contact dermatitis, is one of the most common skin concerns seen by dermatologists worldwide — and in the UAE, it’s especially prevalent. Frequent hand washing, alcohol-based sanitizers, air‑conditioning, heat, and daily exposure to irritants all place enormous stress on the delicate skin barrier of the hands.

For many people, hand eczema isn’t just about dryness. It can involve itching, redness, cracking, burning, peeling, and sometimes painful fissures that interfere with daily life. Understanding why it happens — and how to manage it properly — is the first step toward long‑term relief.

What Is Hand Eczema?

Hand eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the hands and fingers. It can appear as redness, scaling, small blisters, thickened skin, or cracked patches. Unlike temporary dryness, eczema reflects a deeper disruption of the skin barrier and immune response.

In some cases, hand eczema develops suddenly. In others, it becomes chronic — flaring repeatedly over months or years if triggers aren’t controlled.

Why Hand Eczema Is So Common in the UAE

Living in the UAE presents unique challenges for skin health. While the climate is warm and sunny, environmental and lifestyle factors make hand eczema particularly common.

Constant exposure to air‑conditioning dries out the skin and weakens its natural protective barrier. Frequent hand washing and sanitizer use — now part of everyday life — strip away essential lipids that keep skin resilient. Heat, sweat, dust, and urban pollution further aggravate already sensitive hands.

Many people also work in professions that require repeated hand washing or contact with cleaning agents, chemicals, or gloves, increasing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.

Types of Hand Eczema

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

This is the most common form. It develops when repeated exposure to irritants damages the skin barrier over time. Soaps, detergents, disinfectants, and even water can contribute when exposure is frequent.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This occurs when the immune system reacts to a specific allergen such as fragrance, preservatives, rubber, nickel, or certain topical medications. Symptoms may appear hours or days after contact.

Atopic Hand Eczema

People with a history of eczema, asthma, or allergies may develop hand eczema as part of atopic dermatitis. The skin barrier is genetically weaker, making it more prone to inflammation and dryness.

Often, more than one type overlaps — which is why proper diagnosis matters.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Hand eczema doesn’t look the same in everyone. It may present as persistent dryness and roughness, intense itching or burning, redness and swelling, cracking and bleeding, thickened or scaly skin, or tiny fluid‑filled blisters on the sides of fingers.

Ignoring early symptoms can allow eczema to become chronic and harder to manage.

Why the Skin Barrier Matters So Much

Healthy hands depend on a strong skin barrier — a protective layer made of lipids, proteins, and moisture that prevents irritants from entering and water from escaping.

In eczema, this barrier is compromised. Water escapes easily, skin becomes dry and inflamed, and irritants penetrate more deeply, triggering further inflammation. This creates a vicious cycle of damage and flare‑ups.

That’s why dermatologists emphasize barrier repair — not just symptom relief — in eczema care.

Daily Habits That Can Make Hand Eczema Worse

Many well‑intentioned habits can unintentionally worsen hand eczema. Over‑washing with harsh soaps, skipping moisturiser after washing, using fragranced products, wearing gloves for long periods without moisture underneath, and exposure to extreme temperatures all stress the skin further.

Breaking these habits is just as important as choosing the right products.

The Role of Gentle, Dermatologist‑Approved Skincare

When managing hand eczema, less is more. Aggressive treatments or heavily fragranced products can worsen irritation. Dermatologists recommend minimalist routines using gentle cleansers and barrier‑repairing moisturizers designed for sensitive, eczema‑prone skin.

This is where medical skincare brands like Bioderma and Esthederm stand out — their formulations are designed to respect skin biology and restore barrier function rather than mask symptoms.

Targeted Hand Care for Hand Eczema & Contact Dermatitis

When dealing with hand eczema, frequent washing, sanitizers, and environmental exposure weaken the skin barrier. Using barrier-repair hand creams is essential — not cosmetic hand lotions. This is where dermatologist-approved formulations from Bioderma and Esthederm truly stand out.

Bioderma Atoderm Mains & Ongles Ultra-Repair Hand Cream

Bioderma Atoderm Mains & Ongles is specifically formulated for very dry, irritated, and eczema-prone hands, making it an excellent daily treatment for contact dermatitis.

This cream works by restoring the skin barrier, not just moisturizing the surface. Its rich yet fast-absorbing texture provides long-lasting comfort without leaving hands greasy — ideal for people who wash or sanitize their hands frequently.

Key benefits:

• Repairs and strengthens the damaged skin barrier

• Instantly soothes dryness, tightness, and irritation

• Protects hands from repeated washing and sanitizers

• Nourishes cuticles and strengthens fragile nails

• Suitable for sensitive, atopic, and eczema-prone skin

Thanks to its dermatologically tested, fragrance-free formula, Atoderm Mains & Ongles is safe for frequent use throughout the day — even after every hand wash.

Institut Esthederm Repair Hand Cream

For those looking for luxurious yet medically sound hand care, Institut Esthederm Repair Hand Cream offers advanced protection and long-term repair for stressed hands.

This cream focuses on cellular repair and environmental defense, making it particularly suitable for people exposed to harsh climates, UV radiation, and pollution — all common triggers for hand eczema in the UAE.

Key benefits:

• Strengthens the skin’s resistance to environmental stress

• Helps repair micro-damage caused by dryness and irritation

• Smooths rough texture and improves skin comfort

• Elegant, fast-absorbing texture suitable for daily use

Esthederm’s hand cream is ideal for individuals whose hands feel chronically stressed rather than acutely inflamed, and for maintaining healthy skin between eczema flare-ups.

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume (For Severe Hand Eczema)

For individuals experiencing severe dryness, cracks, redness, or flare-ups, Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume can be used as an intensive treatment for the hands — especially overnight.

This ultra-nourishing balm contains Skin Barrier Therapy™, which helps reduce itching sensations and reinforces the skin’s natural defenses against irritants.

Why it helps hand eczema:

• Deeply nourishes extremely dry, compromised skin

• Calms itching and inflammation

• Supports skin recovery during active eczema phases

• Ideal for night-time repair with cotton gloves

How to Build a Hand Eczema‑Friendly Routine

1. Focus on consistency over complexity in your hand care routine
2. Cleanse hands with mild, soap-free cleansers whenever possible
3. Pat hands dry gently instead of rubbing to avoid irritation
4. Apply a barrier-repairing hand cream immediately after every wash
5. Reapply throughout the day, especially after sanitizer use
6. At night, use a richer repairing balm and wear cotton gloves to boost absorption
7. During flare-ups, avoid introducing new products
8. Consult a dermatologist if symptoms worsen or persist

When to See a Dermatologist

If hand eczema is persistent, painful, spreading, or interfering with daily activities, medical evaluation is essential. A dermatologist may recommend patch testing to identify allergens or prescribe treatments such as topical corticosteroids or non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory creams.

Skincare supports treatment, but medical management may be necessary for moderate to severe cases.

Lifestyle Tips That Support Healing

Hydration, balanced nutrition, and stress management all influence skin health. Wearing protective gloves for household chores, avoiding known irritants, and maintaining consistent moisturization can significantly reduce flare‑ups over time.

Where to Buy Bioderma in the UAE

In the UAE, many people prefer buying dermatologist‑approved skincare online from trusted stores like The Watermelon, which curates Bioderma and Esthederm products for sensitive skin.

The Watermelon offers a curated selection of dermatologist‑approved Bioderma and Esthederm products with delivery across Dubai and the UAE.

For further reading on eczema management, you may explore educational resources from the National Eczema Association and the British Association of Dermatologists.

Final Thoughts

Hand eczema can be frustrating, painful, and emotionally draining — but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively. Understanding triggers, protecting the skin barrier, and using gentle, dermatologist‑approved skincare are key to restoring comfort and confidence.

With consistent care and informed product choices, your hands can heal and stay resilient — even in the demanding UAE climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hand eczema be cured permanently?
Hand eczema is often chronic, but symptoms can be well‑controlled with proper care and trigger avoidance.

Do sanitizers make hand eczema worse?
Yes. Alcohol‑based sanitizers can dry the skin and worsen eczema if not followed by proper moisturization.

Is moisturising enough during flare‑ups?
Moisturising is essential, but moderate to severe flare‑ups may require prescription treatment from a dermatologist.

Are Bioderma products safe for eczema‑prone skin?
Yes. Many Bioderma products are dermatologist‑tested and specifically designed for sensitive and eczema‑prone skin.