Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Rashes OccurTreatmentPreventionOther CausesWhen to See a ProviderFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Rashes Occur
Treatment
Prevention
Other Causes
When to See a Provider
FAQ
Some people experience ahand rashafter washing their hands, and there are several reasons whyhandwashingmight cause this. Simply overwashing the hands can compromise thebarrier function of the skin, causing irritation. Scrubbing and water temperature can also contribute as can any allergy you might have to the cleansers you use.
A rash from handwashing usually occurs on the back of the hands as well as the spaces between the fingers. The skin on the palms is much thicker and more resistant to irritants and allergic rashes.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Causes of Hand Rashes From Handwashing
Tiny organs situated beneath the outermost layer of skin, calledsebaceous glands, secrete an oily substance known assebumthat serves several important functions:
The skin itself has specific barrier functions. Atop the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) is a layer called thestratum corneummade of dead skin cells. The stratum corneum is important because it blocks bacteria and other microorganisms from entering underlying tissues. It also serves as the scaffolding onto which sebum clings.
Compromising these functions can cause skin problems including rash. There are several ways that handwashing contributes to this:
Why Do I Have a Rash on My Palms?
Contact Dermatitis
The two cause similar symptoms like:
Changing skincare products may help you avoid future outbreaks. In their place, use a mild, fragrance-free soap without dyes.
Irritating vs. Non-Irritating IngredientsCertain ingredients in soap are very irritating to hands, including:ParabensFormaldehydeSynthetic fragrances or dyesTriclosanSodium lauryl sulfatePropylene glycolAlternatively, ingredients like chamomile, glycerin, coconut oil, colloidal oatmeal, comfrey, calendula, and aloe vera can have a soothing effect on the hand.
Irritating vs. Non-Irritating Ingredients
Certain ingredients in soap are very irritating to hands, including:ParabensFormaldehydeSynthetic fragrances or dyesTriclosanSodium lauryl sulfatePropylene glycolAlternatively, ingredients like chamomile, glycerin, coconut oil, colloidal oatmeal, comfrey, calendula, and aloe vera can have a soothing effect on the hand.
Certain ingredients in soap are very irritating to hands, including:
Alternatively, ingredients like chamomile, glycerin, coconut oil, colloidal oatmeal, comfrey, calendula, and aloe vera can have a soothing effect on the hand.
Overwashing
Sebum is composed of fatty acids and wax-like compounds that mix with sweat and delay the evaporation of sweat from the skin. Sebum also coats the skin so that moisture is repelled.
Under normal circumstances, handwashing won’t strip away sebum entirely, giving sebaceous glands plenty of time to supplement the supply. Washing your hands frequently, however, can strip sebum away entirely, making the skin vulnerable to moisture loss, irritants, and infection.
When this occurs, you might experience:
People who work in healthcare must wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection. The downside to this is that up to 30% of healthcare workers develop hand rashes due to overwashing.
Hot Water Temperature
These effects alone can increase the risk of skin irritation, dryness, itching, and rash, even if you don’t overwash.
On top of this, hot water exposes the skin to undue inflammation and intensifies skin sensitivity. This is potentially troublesome if you have a condition calledcholinergic urticaria, in which the irritation of nerve fibers insweat glandscan cause the spontaneous outbreak of rashes.
Symptoms of cholinergic urticaria include:
The outbreak may last a few minutes or up to an hour as the skin eventually cools down.
It is always best to wash your hands with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water is more damaging to the skin and is not any more effective at eliminating germs than cool water.
Scrubbing
Because it can take the stratum corneum anywhere from 12 to 24 hours to rebuild itself, common skin bacteria likeStaphylococcus aureuscan early infiltrate pores and cause a condition calledfolliculitisin which hair follicles become inflamed.
Symptoms of folliculitis include:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), you should lather your hands vigorously for around 20 seconds in order to prevent transmission of infection.Scrubbing doesn’t remove any more bacteria or viruses than lathering.
Soaking
The skin is porous, and the prolonged immersion of the skin in water oversaturates tissues and can lead to skin breakdown. This is because the top layers of skin—the epidermis and underlyingdermis—are in a constant state of moisture exchange in order to maintain homeostasis (equilibrium).
Oversaturation of the epidermis causes blood vessels in the dermis to constrict (narrow) to compensate for the imbalance of fluids. This, in part, is why your hands and fingers wrinkle whenever you’re in the bath or a pool for too long.
The constriction of blood vessels also robs the skin of oxygen and nutrients that it needs to thrive. Habitually soaking the hands effectively “ages” them, increasing the risk of skin dryness, cracking, and flaking.
This can worsen existing skin conditions likeatopic dermatitis (eczema). It can also make the skin vulnerable to a condition calledirritant contact dermatitisin which contact with irritants like soap, perfumes, and detergents can cause an outbreak of rashes.
Symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis include:
Bathing or soaking your hands for too long can cause more harm than good. Limit baths, showers, and hand-soaking to 10 to 15 minutes, and moisturize immediately afterward.
aerogondo / Getty Images
If you get a hand rash, you can often treat it with over-the-counter medicines. These medications can help with any itchiness and discomfort until your rash goes away.Make sure you follow the directions on the medication label.
Common over-the-counter treatments for hand rash include:
If the cause is allergic, an over-the-counter oralantihistaminelike Claritin (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) may help temper the allergic response.
Acold compresscan help reduce generalized swelling and itching, but you should ice the skin for no longer than 15 or 20 minutes to avoid frostbite.
An unscented moisturizing cream can help with skin dryness and prevent cracking and itching.
One of the main ways to prevent hand rashes is to reduce the irritating effects of handwashing.
In addition to washing with lukewarm or cool water, not scrubbing or soaking hands for too long, and avoiding harsh cleansers, it’s important to moisturize your skin right after washing it or anytime it feels too dry. It’s best to use creams and ointments instead of lotions, as they are richer.
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline is one brand) is a good choice, as it does not contain skin-irritating ingredients such as lanolin and preservatives. Other effective moisturizing ingredients include shea butter and coconut oil.
Other Possible Causes of Hand Rash
There are many other causes of hand rashes, including certain diseases and infections. In these situations, there are typically other symptoms besides a rash. Possible causes of hand rashes include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Most rashes go away on their own. But sometimes you may need to see a healthcare provider for a hand rash. If you are an adult, see a doctor about your rash if:
If a child has a skin rash, consult a healthcare provider if:
When to Call 911In rare cases, skin allergies can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction known asanaphylaxis. Call 911 or rush to the nearest emergency if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, including:A sudden widespread outbreak of rash or hivesShortness of breathWheezingRapid or irregular heartbeatsNausea or vomitingSudden severe diarrheaLightheadedness or dizzinessSwelling of the face, mouth, lips, or neckA feeling of impending doom
When to Call 911
In rare cases, skin allergies can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction known asanaphylaxis. Call 911 or rush to the nearest emergency if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, including:A sudden widespread outbreak of rash or hivesShortness of breathWheezingRapid or irregular heartbeatsNausea or vomitingSudden severe diarrheaLightheadedness or dizzinessSwelling of the face, mouth, lips, or neckA feeling of impending doom
In rare cases, skin allergies can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction known asanaphylaxis. Call 911 or rush to the nearest emergency if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, including:
Summary
It’s important to wash your hands regularly to stop the spread of infection. However, washing too frequently or incorrectly can strip off the natural oils on the top layer of the skin.
This can result in a hand rash, with symptoms such as dryness,itchiness, redness, and cracked skin. To prevent a hand rash, avoid washing with hot water or harsh soaps. Refrain from soaking or scrubbing the hands too vigorously, and apply a thick moisturizer after washing.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen you have a soap allergy, your skin becomes inflamed, dry, and cracked. Lighter skin may redden. Darker skin tones may appear gray, dark brown, or purple.You may be getting hand rashes for a variety of reasons. For example, if your skin constantly comes into contact with cleaning fluids or industrial chemicals, you may get a hand rash. You may be allergic to the soap you use on a daily basis. And some people have a condition called eczema, which causes a rash as well.Mild skin allergic reactions usually go away after a few days or weeks. But if your rash sticks around for a long time, call a healthcare provider. You should also call if the rash is extremely uncomfortable, located on your face, or covers your whole body.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you have a soap allergy, your skin becomes inflamed, dry, and cracked. Lighter skin may redden. Darker skin tones may appear gray, dark brown, or purple.
You may be getting hand rashes for a variety of reasons. For example, if your skin constantly comes into contact with cleaning fluids or industrial chemicals, you may get a hand rash. You may be allergic to the soap you use on a daily basis. And some people have a condition called eczema, which causes a rash as well.
Mild skin allergic reactions usually go away after a few days or weeks. But if your rash sticks around for a long time, call a healthcare provider. You should also call if the rash is extremely uncomfortable, located on your face, or covers your whole body.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry, scaly, and painful hands could be hand eczema.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Handwashing facts.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis,Cleveland Clinic.Eczema (atopic dermatitis): causes, treatment & symptoms.Kessler R.More than cosmetic changes: taking stock of personal care product safety.Environ Health Perspect. 2015;123(5):A120–7. doi:10.1289/ehp.123-A120Hamnerius N, Svedman C, Bergendorff O, Björk J, Bruze M, Pontén A.Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional study.Br J Dermatol.2018;178(2):452-461. doi:10.1111/bjd.15813Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clean hands count for healthcare providers.Harvard Health Publishing.Scrubbing your hands dry? Soaps, moisturizers, and tips to keep your skin healthy.Michigan Medicine.Skin rashes: home treatment.American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Public Website.Insect sting allergies: symptoms & treatment.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About parovirus B19.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.Sepsis Alliance.Fungal infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HFMD symptoms and complications.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Kawasaki disease.American Academy of Dermatology.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.Hamilton Health Sciences.Rashes in kids—when to worry.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry, scaly, and painful hands could be hand eczema.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Handwashing facts.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis,Cleveland Clinic.Eczema (atopic dermatitis): causes, treatment & symptoms.Kessler R.More than cosmetic changes: taking stock of personal care product safety.Environ Health Perspect. 2015;123(5):A120–7. doi:10.1289/ehp.123-A120Hamnerius N, Svedman C, Bergendorff O, Björk J, Bruze M, Pontén A.Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional study.Br J Dermatol.2018;178(2):452-461. doi:10.1111/bjd.15813Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clean hands count for healthcare providers.Harvard Health Publishing.Scrubbing your hands dry? Soaps, moisturizers, and tips to keep your skin healthy.Michigan Medicine.Skin rashes: home treatment.American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Public Website.Insect sting allergies: symptoms & treatment.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About parovirus B19.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.Sepsis Alliance.Fungal infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HFMD symptoms and complications.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Kawasaki disease.American Academy of Dermatology.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.Hamilton Health Sciences.Rashes in kids—when to worry.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry, scaly, and painful hands could be hand eczema.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Handwashing facts.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis,Cleveland Clinic.Eczema (atopic dermatitis): causes, treatment & symptoms.Kessler R.More than cosmetic changes: taking stock of personal care product safety.Environ Health Perspect. 2015;123(5):A120–7. doi:10.1289/ehp.123-A120Hamnerius N, Svedman C, Bergendorff O, Björk J, Bruze M, Pontén A.Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional study.Br J Dermatol.2018;178(2):452-461. doi:10.1111/bjd.15813Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clean hands count for healthcare providers.Harvard Health Publishing.Scrubbing your hands dry? Soaps, moisturizers, and tips to keep your skin healthy.Michigan Medicine.Skin rashes: home treatment.American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Public Website.Insect sting allergies: symptoms & treatment.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About parovirus B19.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.Sepsis Alliance.Fungal infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HFMD symptoms and complications.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Kawasaki disease.American Academy of Dermatology.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.Hamilton Health Sciences.Rashes in kids—when to worry.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry, scaly, and painful hands could be hand eczema.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Handwashing facts.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis,
Cleveland Clinic.Eczema (atopic dermatitis): causes, treatment & symptoms.
Kessler R.More than cosmetic changes: taking stock of personal care product safety.Environ Health Perspect. 2015;123(5):A120–7. doi:10.1289/ehp.123-A120
Hamnerius N, Svedman C, Bergendorff O, Björk J, Bruze M, Pontén A.Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional study.Br J Dermatol.2018;178(2):452-461. doi:10.1111/bjd.15813
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clean hands count for healthcare providers.
Harvard Health Publishing.Scrubbing your hands dry? Soaps, moisturizers, and tips to keep your skin healthy.
Michigan Medicine.Skin rashes: home treatment.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Public Website.Insect sting allergies: symptoms & treatment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About parovirus B19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.
Sepsis Alliance.Fungal infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HFMD symptoms and complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Kawasaki disease.
American Academy of Dermatology.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.
Hamilton Health Sciences.Rashes in kids—when to worry.
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