Dermatologist Hand Care Tips for Dermatitis, Dry Skin, & More | Dr. Sam Ellis

Summary

In this informative video, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sam Ellis addresses common hand skin issues like dryness, flakiness, and irritation. She explains the concept of hand dermatitis and its causes, emphasizing the importance of avoiding irritants and allergens. Dr. Ellis offers practical advice on using gloves, mild cleansers, and moisturizers, and touches on the use of super glue for fissures and topical steroids for inflammation. She encourages seeking professional help for persistent issues and hints at a future video on nail care.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Dermatologist Sam Ellis emphasizes the importance of hand care, which often gets overlooked despite the prevalence of hand skin issues.
• 🚫 The video is a guideline and not a substitute for personalized dermatologic care, especially for severe or persistent hand conditions.
• 🔍 Inflammation on the hands is sometimes mistaken for dryness but can be low-grade inflammation manifesting as flaking and itchiness.
• 🤲 'Hand dermatitis' is a term used for rashes on the hands without a clear source or cause, and it's common due to multiple influencing factors.
• 💧 Irritation from repeated hand washing, exposure to weather extremes, and contact with chemicals is a major contributor to hand dermatitis.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Frictional trauma from activities like sports or manual labor can also lead to micro traumas that contribute to hand inflammation.
• 🌿 Allergic reactions to substances that hands frequently come in contact with can cause persistent hand dermatitis.
• 🧤 Gloves are essential for protecting hands from irritants and should be used during wet and dry work, as well as in cold weather.
• 🧴 Hand lotion is crucial for repairing the skin barrier after washing hands and should be applied every time hands are washed.
• 💊 Topical steroids can be an effective treatment for hand dermatitis when used correctly under professional guidance.
• 👐 The goal for managing hand dermatitis should be improvement rather than complete clearance due to its stubborn and easily triggered nature.

Q & A

Why does hand care not receive as much attention in the skincare world?

Hand care may not receive as much attention because issues with hand skin, while prevalent, are often overlooked or not given the same priority as facial skincare.

What is the term used in dermatology to describe inflammation of the skin on the hands without a clear source or cause?

The term used is 'hand dermatitis', which is a catch-all term for any type of rash on the hands that doesn't have a clear source or cause.

What are the common causes of hand dermatitis?

The common causes of hand dermatitis include irritation from repeated hand washing, exposure to weather extremes, contact with chemicals, repeated trauma from friction, and allergic reactions to substances the hands come in contact with.

Why is it important for a healthcare professional to examine the entire skin of a patient complaining of hand inflammation?

Examining the entire skin can help identify rashes elsewhere that might provide clues to the diagnosis, such as psoriasis, eczema, or fungal infections, which might be the underlying cause of the hand inflammation.

What is the primary advice for someone suffering from chronic hand dermatitis?

The primary advice is to avoid irritants as much as possible, which includes not touching soaps, detergents, and protecting hands from wind or dry air by wearing gloves.

Why do people's hand dermatitis often improve when they go on vacation?

Hand dermatitis often improves on vacation because it provides a forced break from the usual irritants, allergens, and trauma present in their day-to-day lives.

What is the significance of using gloves in the management of hand dermatitis?

Gloves serve as a barrier to protect hands from potential irritants and allergens, and they can be used during wet work to prevent contact with water and soap, as well as in cold weather to prevent dryness and chapping.

What is the recommended approach to washing hands for someone with hand dermatitis?

The recommended approach includes using lukewarm water and mild, gentle soap, and applying lotion every time after washing hands to repair the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

What is the purpose of applying a hand lotion like 'gloves in a bottle'?

The purpose is to form a thin film barrier over the hands that is non-greasy and doesn't transfer to other surfaces, providing additional protection against irritants throughout the day.

Why might a dermatologist recommend using super glue for fissures on the hands?

Super glue can help seal fissures, providing support as the skin heals, and reducing pain. It is not absorbed systemically and peels off as the skin repairs itself.

What role do topical steroids play in the treatment of hand dermatitis?

Topical steroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications that can help calm down the skin and reduce inflammation, providing temporary relief and allowing the skin to reset its tolerance to environmental factors.