Women are particulary prone to dermatitis of the hands because they are frequently exposed to water, harsh detergents and a variety of chemicals.
Men may have the same trouble with some jobs or hobbies but women seem to suffer more.
Stress and tension can lower a woman’s resistance and so can hard work. Women who work have two jobs — the paid one and home — and are often under more stress and work harder than their husbands. Those who are prone to eczema or other skin problems are more at risk.
What can women do to lower the risk of dermatitis of the hands?
Prevention is more important than cure. If rubber gloves are worn when washing up, doing the laundry or scrubbing floors, consideration should be given to wearing inner cotton gloves.
Most rubber gloves, especially in hot water, make the hands perspire. Being wet, they are prone to other skin problems such as paronychia or infection at the edge of the nail.
The cotton inner gloves will absorb this perspiration and so further protect the hands. Any chemicals should be quickly wiped from the hands and frequent washing should be avoided.
Once the rash has developed, seeing the doctor and getting some form of cream, usually a cortisone derivative, will generally result in rapid clearing of the rash, but care is needed to prevent its recurrence.
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