Itchy hands and allergies: 5 common causes

Itchy hands are a common complaint, marked by a sensation of discomfort of varying intensity, localised on the palm, the back of the hand, or both, and can stem from external factors or causes internal to the body. For those who use their hands as a work tool, the discomfort can be severe enough to interfere with work activities.

In brief: in most cases, itchy hands originate from contact dermatitis, whether irritant or allergic. The 5 most common causes are low-quality soaps, overly harsh detergents and hand cleansers, cold and temperature swings, contact with dust and allergenic substances, and exposure to UV rays. Recognising the cause is the first step to taking action and avoiding complications.

Itching may be accompanied by redness, burning, wheals, swelling, blisters and intense dryness: identifying these symptoms promptly can help you respond appropriately and effectively, reducing the risk of complications.

Why do hands itch? The main causes

When hands itch and are visibly irritated, the cause is often contact dermatitis, which can be allergic (Allergic Contact Dermatitis, ACD) or irritant (Irritant Contact Dermatitis, ICD).

• Allergic forms are immune-mediated reactions that cause skin inflammation after exposure to a substance to which the person has become sensitised.
• Irritant forms are the most frequent type of contact dermatitis and are generally more common than allergic ones: according to some estimates, they account for about 80% of cases*. They arise from inflammatory reactions to external agents that do not involve the immune system. They can also become chronic when exposure to a mildly aggressive agent is prolonged over time.

*German S1 guideline: Contact dermatitis — 2022 guidelines

There are also conditions that can contribute to the onset or worsening of itching: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, dyshidrosis, as well as certain systemic conditions such as chronic kidney failure, diabetes and thyroid dysfunctions. Pregnancy can also be associated with it. If the problem persists or is neglected, scratching can cause skin lesions such as excoriations, scabs and cracks, which can encourage secondary infections. In these cases, daily cosmetic prevention remains important, but it is essential to consult a doctor to identify the cause and assess any specific treatments.

Let’s look in detail at the five most frequent causes.

The 5 most common causes of itchy and allergic hands linked to contact dermatitis

1. Harsh soaps and hand soap allergy

Washing our hands is the gesture we perform most often, both at home and at work. However, some cleansers, especially if harsh or used frequently, can alter the skin’s balance and damage the hydrolipidic film, encouraging dryness and irritation.

The best strategy is to choose products designed for frequent use, which clean thoroughly without disrupting the skin’s natural mechanisms. Sendy Soap, Sendy Foam and Puliman Ecolabel — Ecolabel-certified — meet this need: gentle formulas that remove light soiling while protecting the hands.

2. Overly harsh detergents and hand cleansers

Detergent allergy is among the most common, together with contact irritations. In work environments there is also a specific pitfall: overly harsh hand creams and pastes. To remove stubborn dirt such as grease, rust, oils, bitumen and paint, strong, effective products tend to be preferred, but these act disproportionately on the skin’s lipid barrier. The result is dryness, friction-related irritation and an easier entry point for pathogens.

The solution for clean, healthy hands is an effective yet skin-friendly hand cleanser, such as Macrocream Ecolabel, free from solvents and harsh ingredients yet effective on all types of dirt. If you’re unsure which formula to choose, this guide to choosing between paste, cream, gel and extra-fluid will help you find your way based on the type of soiling and your sector.

3. Cold, water and temperature swings that dry out hands

Cold, wind and bad weather cause the skin to lose its natural hydration: it becomes dry, flaky, red and itchy, with possible rashes, eczema, wheals and forms of hypersensitivity. Temperature swings weaken the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to UV rays and harsh chemicals, worsening irritation.

Another factor can add to this: the use of PPE. Occlusive gloves trap sweat and moisture, worsening skin irritation and compromising the skin barrier.

When combined, these two conditions significantly increase the risk of dermatitis, especially for those who work outdoors or wear gloves for an entire shift. Protection comes from specific barrier creams such as ProtexINS, which prevents the absorption of water-based and irritating substances and also reduces maceration caused by moisture.

4. Dust and allergenic substances at work

Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals can cause skin irritation or, in the presence of specific allergens, allergic contact dermatitis. Among the most common allergens, easily dispersed in the air:

• of animal origin (hair, dander, urine, faeces, saliva);
• of plant origin (grasses, cypress and other species);
• of chemical origin (glues, plastics, foams, expanded polyurethane, paints);
• fungi and mould.

Professionals in certain sectors are particularly at risk: woodworking workers; yarn and tannery operators; mechanics and metalworkers; construction workers in contact with cement and its allergenic potential; farmers, gardeners and plant product storage workers; the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry; healthcare staff; pastry chefs, cooks and bakers in contact with flour; herbalists and hairdressers; cleaning staff; painters and decorators.

5. UV rays and sun exposure

Exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn, erythema, allergic phenomena and photosensitisation. In skin reactions caused by the sun, inflammatory processes can be triggered that cause redness and itching. In addition, UVA and UVB rays can damage the DNA of skin cells and contribute to premature photoageing.

Those who work outdoors should never do without professional protection such as ProtexSUN 50+, a face and body cream designed to shield the skin from UV rays and nourish it with glycerin and vitamin E. Here you’ll find an overview of how to protect the skin from the sun for outdoor workers.

How to relieve itchy hands: remedies

To temporarily relieve itching, self-care measures can help, such as applying emollient creams and cold compresses. If symptoms persist, worsen or recur, it is advisable to consult a doctor to identify the cause and assess the most suitable treatment.

How to prevent itchy hands

According to INAIL surveys, a significant share of dermatoses originates from contact with chemical substances (27%) and detergents (19%), and, to a lesser extent, from oils and greases (4%)**. This picture clearly shows the value of prevention and of implementing a skin barrier protection protocol: identifying potentially aggressive and stressful agents, limiting exposure to them and adopting correct protection, washing and skin care practices during the working day and at the end of the shift helps reduce the risk of future conditions.

**Source: INAIL, Malattie della pelle: analisi per comparti economici e professioni dei lavoratori – Scheda 7 (2021), MalProf surveillance system, referenced in the PuntoSicuro article of 7 May 2021 «INAIL: quanto sono diffuse le malattie della pelle nel mondo del lavoro?».

Skin Care Programme, Nettuno’s 3-step protocol, was created exactly for this:

• protection with barrier creams (ProtexINS against water-based substances and ProtexSOL against oil-based ones), because prevention is better than cure;
• washing with high-performing yet skin-friendly soaps and hand cleansers, such as Puliman Ecolabel, Macrocream and La Rossa in Crema;
• care with the ProtexEM moisturising cream, which nourishes and regenerates workers’ skin.

For a broader picture of the conditions affecting those who work with their hands, you can read more about hand diseases: causes, remedies and prevention.

Protect your hands with Nettuno

Healthy hands at work are a matter of daily prevention: protection, proper cleansing and care. Explore Nettuno’s solutions dedicated to the skin health of professionals and companies or contact our experts for tailored advice for your business.

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or dermatologist. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.