Dermatologist warns excessive hand sanitiser use can cause painful hand eczema

Hand sanitiser has become a fixture of daily life, particularly when people are outdoors. Public surfaces — from desks and handbags to school bags and public transport — are widely regarded as harbouring germs, prompting many people to sanitise their hands repeatedly throughout the day.

Whilst maintaining hand hygiene is essential to prevent infections and illness, excessive sanitiser use can cause lasting damage to the skin, giving rise to a range of dermatological problems.

Expert warning on skin barrier damage

HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Surbhi Deshpande, consultant dermatologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai, who outlined how excessive sanitiser use — combined with frequent handwashing — can compromise the skin's protective barrier and heighten the risk of hand eczema.

"Constant use of sanitizers and even frequent handwashing can damage the skin barrier, leading to dryness, itching, and painful hand eczema," she cautioned, stressing that excessive hygiene practices can be counterproductive, making moderation and proper skin care just as important as cleanliness.

A post-pandemic habit with consequences

Dr Deshpande noted that sanitiser use became a deeply ingrained daily habit following the pandemic, but that overuse is now contributing to a rise in hand eczema cases.

"If people frequently use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, then they can strip away the skin's natural oils and damage its protective barrier. Hence, the skin can be dry, irritated, and sensitive. Over time, this can cause redness, itching, cracks, and hand eczema if anyone has sensitive skin," she explained.

What hand eczema looks and feels like

According to Dr Deshpande, hand eczema presents as inflammation, irritation and dryness of the hands. It develops when the skin's protective layer is weakened through repeated exposure to chemicals, soaps, detergents and alcohol-based sanitisers.

Those affected tend to experience persistent itching and may also be at heightened risk of bacterial or fungal skin infections.

The condition can worsen significantly over time. "There can also be bleeding due to the deep cracks, and it can be extremely painful for the person," the dermatologist warned.

The skin's appearance can also change considerably — Dr Deshpande noted it may become thick, darkened and highly sensitive with prolonged exposure.

Who is most at risk?

Dr Deshpande explained that people who wash their hands frequently as part of their daily routine are most susceptible to hand eczema. This includes healthcare workers, homemakers, salon staff, cleaners and office workers.

The condition can significantly interfere with everyday activities such as cooking, typing, cleaning and even holding objects comfortably, due to the associated dryness, irritation and pain.

Treatment options

The appropriate course of treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Dr Deshpande indicated that management options may include moisturisers, medicated creams, antihistamine medicines and anti-inflammatory medications.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.