red rash on hands

Hi, Every time my daughter washes her hands or does dishes, her hands get red, swollen and rashy looking. Do you have any idea what this might be? It doesn't happen when she bathes.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Various possibilities for your daughter’s symptoms are trauma and allergic or irritant contact dermatitis like washing dishes without wearing gloves,contact with harsh detergents,soaps and lotions that contain perfume can cause hands and fingertips to become irritated and peel.Sometimes cold, dry air can cause  peeling and dermatitis or fungal infections can also cause such symptoms.

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.She can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. During the day, hydrate and protect hands with a protective and moisturizing cream. At night, repair them with creams formulated from glycolic acid—a must for improving skin texture and tone. If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. Fungal infections have to be ruled out then.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your daughter is doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.