26/10/2023

Hand itching is a very common problem, involving a more or less intense sensation of discomfort localised on the palm, back or both. This discomfort can be related to several causes and can be triggered by external factors or by causes within the body.

Accompanying the itching can also be redness, burning, puffiness, swelling, red dots, blisters and intense dryness, all symptoms that can become severe and disabling, especially for those who use their hands every day in the context of their professional activity. Linked to irritation or actual hand allergies, itching must be recognised promptly, in order to be able to understand its triggers and remedy a situation that can easily degenerate into more worrying pathologies.

Itchy hands: the causes

When the skin of the hands itches and is visibly irritated, the cause is often contact dermatitis, which can be either allergic (DAC) or irritative (DIC).

· Hand allergies are reactions mediated by the immune system (particularly T lymphocytes) that can trigger acute skin inflammation, the primary symptom of which is localised itching at the site of contact.

· Irritative forms account for about 80% of contact dermatitis, and originate from inflammatory reactions to exogenous agents (biological, physical, chemical, etc.) that do not, however, involve the immune system. Irritative dermatitis can be acute or become chronic when there is constant and prolonged exposure to an agent with low irritant potential.

Reasons for itchy hands may include other elements that contribute to, promote or exacerbate skin problems. These include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or dyshidrosis, but also conditions such as chronic renal insufficiency, diabetes, thyroid or endocrine dysfunction, nervous disorders, pregnancy, circulation and/or blood pressure problems.

If the symptoms of dermatitis, such as itchy hands, are neglected, they can lead to various complications, such as blisters, scabs, fissures or dangerous bacterial infections. What, specifically, are the causes of itchy hands?

Low-quality soaps: hand soap allergy

The most frequent act we perform on our hands is to wash them, both at home and at work. The soaps and detergents we use to do this, however, are not always suitable for preserving the well-being and health of the skin.

Allergy to hand soap, in fact, causes even very serious episodes of contact dermatitis, both allergic and irritative. The cause is often to be found in the use of low-quality ingredients
in soaps, with excessively degreasing, abrasive or drying effects. Their prolonged and frequent use irritates the skin, alters the epidermal balance and damages the hydrolipid film of the skin.

The best strategy to avoid the risk of irritation is to favour the use of products with a high quality standard, designed for frequent use and able to thoroughly clean the skin without altering its physiological functioning mechanisms. Nettuno's Sendy line is perfect for the purpose and offers three different formulas guaranteed by Ecolabel certification: Sendy Soap, Sendy Foam and Sendy Spray, ideal wherever light soiling is needed to preserve the health of the hands.

Use of aggressive detergents and cleaning agents

Hand allergy from detergents is another of the most common phenomena, along with contact irritation, and is caused by cleaning substances formulated for the body and for industrial or domestic cleaning. In addition, a specific insidiousness often lurks in working environments, namely the use of overly aggressive handwashing creams and pastes. The need to wash hands frequently to remove stubborn dirt (such as grease, rust, oil, bitumen, paint, etc.) leads to a preference for the use of aggressive products, which appear to be effective, but in reality have a decidedly disproportionate action on the skin's precious lipid barrier.

The result? Excessive dryness, accompanied by real chafing irritations, which also favour the entry of external pathogens, resulting in an increase in infections, allergies, irritation and inflammation. The solution to clean but fit hands? Nettuno's lines of hand cleansers in paste or cream form, such as Macrocream Ecolabel, free of solvents and other ingredients aggressive to the skin, but effective against dirt of all kinds. Proposals such as Puliman, on the other hand, are perfect for removing light soiling in schools, offices and other community environments.

Water, low temperatures or temperature changes

Cold temperatures and excessive temperature changes are harmful to the body in general, but among the organs most sensitive to such conditions is undoubtedly the skin. Under the effect of cold, wind and weather, the skin loses its natural moisture and becomes excessively dry, flaky, red and itchy. Sometimes real skin rashes, eczema, irritation, swelling, blisters and hypersensitivity can also occur.

Sudden changes in temperature also bring the skin into a state of shock, which can combine dangerously with UV exposure, the use of harsh chemicals and the abuse of irritating detergents.

The use of occlusive PPE is also risky: often used for workplace regulations and useful in many professional activities, such devices do not allow the skin to breathe and create a warm, moist environment that weakens the skin and is favourable to bacterial proliferation and mycosis.

How can you protect yourself? By turning to the effective action of specific barrier creams, such as Protexins Plus, specially formulated to act as an invisible shield against watery substances. Simply apply it to the skin to create a film that shields against the dangers of water, moisture and maceration.

Dust allergy

Allergy to dust on the hands is another of the most common problems in the general population, but especially prevalent among professionals who are exposed to contact with specific allergens on a daily basis. Prolonged contact with allergenic substances can trigger the symptoms of contact dermatitis, including severe itching of the hands.

The main allergens include dust and similar substances, which can easily be dispersed in the air and come into contact with the skin and mucous membranes. There are, for example:

· those of animal origin (hair, dander, urine, faeces, saliva);

· those derived from plant species (grasses, cypresses, etc.);

· those from chemicals, such as glues, plastics, foams, polyurethane foam, paints and so on;

· those originating from fungi and moulds.

Professionals working in high-risk sectors, such as, for example:

· woodworkers;

· yarn processing and tannery professionals;

· mechanics or metalworkers;

· construction workers in contact with cement and its allergenic power;

· farmers, gardeners and operators storing plant products,

· those working in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry;

· healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, etc.);

· confectioners, cooks, bakers in contact with flours and the like;

· herbalists and hairdressers;

· the cleaning professionals;

· painters.

UV exposure

Unconscious and excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to sunburn and erythema, but also to real allergy and photosensitisation phenomena. Basically, radiation harms the skin, leading to changes in both its superficial and inner layers. Also activated in sun dermatitis is the immune system, which reacts to UV radiation by triggering the release of cytokines, histamine and prostaglandins, which are involved in the most obvious skin reactions, such as redness and itching.

In addition to the short-term effects, unfortunately UVA and UVB rays can also damage skin DNA, cause serious diseases and induce premature photoageing.

It is unthinkable, today, to remain in the sun for long periods without applying an effective sun cream to the skin. In particular, workers should never do without a professional sunscreen such as Protexsun Protection SPF50, which is specially designed to shield the skin from UV rays without making it greasy, but nourishing it with vitamin E, glycerine and creatine.

Remedies for itchy hands and fingers

If the symptoms are mild, it is possible to resort to the more traditional remedies for itchy fingers, palms or back. For example, cold compresses, baths with oatmeal or rice starch or the application of intensely moisturising creams. If the problem becomes serious, however, it is important to get to the bottom of it to find out the reasons for it, by asking your doctor or a specialist dermatologist for help.

In fact, natural remedies for hand allergies, or mild interventions, do not provide lasting results, since often behind the allergic or irritative manifestations of the skin may be hidden pathologies that need specific treatments. In fact, an expert can recommend both the use of topical therapies (such as corticosteroids or similar remedies), but also the taking of oral medications (such as antihistamines or painkillers) and phototherapy treatment, which simulates the beneficial effects of the sun on the skin while avoiding the risks of UV radiation.

In any case, the main remedy for itchy hands is basically prevention. The first step to make the disorder disappear is to identify and eliminate its causes, by implementing good skincare practices involving:

· protection of the skin;

· the cleaning phase;

· nourishment and preservation of the skin's defence mechanisms.

Protect yourself from itching with Nettuno products

Did you know that 27% of occupational skin diseases are chemical contact dermatitis and that 19% result from contact with detergents? A good 4% are caused by interaction with oils and greases and 3% are allergic hives. Interesting percentages, which can only convince one to use effective and professional products for skin protection, washing and care in the workplace.

The Nettuno programme aims precisely to help you in this mission and provides professionals and companies with sound defence strategies. There are three product lines dedicated to this purpose:

· Nettuno protective creams, effective against oily, oily and watery substances, but also against UV radiation;

· high-performance yet skin-friendly hand cleansers, formulated in cream, paste, gel or soap form;

· nourishing creams designed for workers' skin.

Explore our site and discover the solutions you are looking for. Or contact our experts for expert advice to improve the health and safety of your business!