Call us: (484) 897-7143

Connect With Us

Hand Rashes: What They Could Be and How to Treat Them

by | Sep 12, 2025 | Allergy

Hand Rashes: What They Could Be and How to Treat Them

From Keystone Allergy and Asthma Center – Exton, PA

📞 Call or Text us to book your appointment at: 484-897-7143

Hand rashes are more common than most people realize. Whether it’s your child coming home from school with red, itchy patches or you noticing dry, cracked hands from work or frequent handwashing, a rash can be uncomfortable and sometimes confusing. At Keystone Allergy and Asthma Center in Exton, PA, we help patients across Chester County understand what’s causing their hand rash and create treatment plans that bring relief.

Common Causes of Hand Rashes

1. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema is one of the most common causes of hand rashes in children and adults. It often appears as dry, itchy, inflamed patches and can flare with triggers like cold weather, stress, or irritants (like soaps).

2. Contact Dermatitis

This happens when the skin reacts to something it touches, such as:

  • Cleaning products

  • Latex gloves

  • Nickel in jewelry

  • Certain plants
    The rash may appear red, itchy, or blistery right where the skin touched the irritant.

3. Allergic Reactions

Food, medications, or environmental allergens can sometimes cause hives or swelling on the hands. Unlike eczema, hives are usually raised, red, and come and go quickly.

4. Infections

Bacterial or fungal infections (like ringworm) may also cause rashes, often with spreading redness, swelling, or small bumps.

5. Other Skin Conditions

  • Psoriasis: Red, scaly patches that may crack and bleed

  • Dyshidrotic Eczema: Small, itchy blisters on the sides of the fingers or palms

  • Dry Skin (Xerosis): Especially common in winter or with frequent handwashing

How to Treat Hand Rashes

Treatment depends on the cause:

  • Moisturize regularly with fragrance-free creams or ointments

  • Avoid triggers (harsh soaps, fragrances, or chemicals)

  • Use mild cleansers instead of antibacterial or alcohol-heavy products

  • Over-the-counter creams (like hydrocortisone) may help mild irritation

  • Allergy testing can help identify if your rash is allergy-related

  • Prescription medications may be needed for severe or chronic rashes

When to See a Doctor or Allergist

You should schedule an appointment if:

  • The rash is severe, painful, or spreading

  • It doesn’t improve with basic care in a few days

  • It recurs frequently

  • You suspect it’s linked to an allergy or asthma condition

At Keystone Allergy and Asthma Center in Exton, we can help determine if your rash is related to eczema, allergies, or another skin condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Local Care for Families in Chester County

We proudly serve patients from Exton, Downingtown, West Chester, Malvern, and across Chester County, PA. Many families visit us not just for allergy and asthma care, but also for skin conditions that may be linked to allergies.

Take the Next Step

If you or your child has a hand rash that won’t go away, let the experts at Keystone Allergy and Asthma Center in Exton, PA help.

📞 Call or Text us to book your appointment at: 484-897-7143
📍 Conveniently located in Exton, serving families throughout Chester County.