Pharmaceuticals: Over-the-counter remedies for hand dermatitis |10 September 2021

In the following interview with Zarine Udwadia-Durup, pharmacist at Behram’s Plaisance Pharmacy, we learn about some over-the-counter remedies which may provide symptomatic relief for hand dermatitis. We also learn about any contraindications associated with some of these medications.

Seychelles NATION: What is hand dermatitis?

Zarine Udwadia-Durup: Dermatitis, or irritant contact dermatitis, particularly on the hands, is a condition whereby the surface of your hands become irritated or inflamed after being in contact with a substance that can cause an allergic reaction.

The skin can become itchy, red and so dry to the point where it begins to blister and crack. Initially a person may not have a reaction, but continuous exposure to the same substance may cause symptoms to appear even up to 48 hours later.

There have always been cases of hand dermatitis, but I have noticed a sudden increase since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is probably due to the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers and increased hand washing.

Seychelles NATION: You mentioned that there are some over-the-counter remedies which may help to provide symptomatic relief; tell us about these as well as any of their contraindications.

Zarine Udwadia-Durup: If you can identify the substance causing the irritation, you should try and avoid it as much as possible. Doing this should cause symptoms to completely clear up.

For those who are unable to either identify or avoid the cause, there are some over-the-counter remedies which may provide symptomatic relief.

Skin moisturisers come in various forms: creams, lotions, ointments or liquids. Creams or lotions are usually used for skin which is partly dry but inflamed. Ointments are oil based and thicker and thus are more effective for use in patients with very dry skin where the skin is not so inflamed. Liquids can be used to bathe or shower with as an alternative to normal soap.

In addition to the plain moisturisers, some products also contain colloidal oatmeal which forms a protective barrier over the skin to keep in moisture and reduce the redness and inflammation. These products can be used long term without any issues and are excellent options for children.

Mild topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone are sometimes prescribed for short term use in adults when the dermatitis is very red and swollen. The problem with this unfortunately, is overuse and abuse. We always tell patients to use such products appropriately for only a few days and if necessary, to then see a doctor for advice and stronger treatments.

Overuse of corticosteroids can be very dangerous for the skin particularly because of their ‘thinning’ effect. This consequence isn’t something that is instant but over time, the skin eventually gets thinner and can cause other skin problems which are even harder to treat. The sun here also plays a major role in sensitizing the skin during and after corticosteroid use so patients should ensure that they use sun protection to reduce this.

As a non-medical option, people can also wear gloves to reduce the frequency of handwashing and sanitising if soaps and sanitizers are a cause of the dermatitis. However, be careful about which gloves you choose as some people have allergies to latex containing products.

Seychelles NATION: What is your advice to help a person decide as to whether they need over-the-counter medicine or whether they need to see a doctor?

Zarine Udwadia-Durup: Patients should feel free to come in to the pharmacy for a first opinion. We will always try our best to offer symptomatic relief for the dermatitis. Emollient products are usually our first line options.

If after a week such products don’t provide some sort of relief, we may suggest that they use a mild corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone for a maximum of 5 days. If symptoms are still persistent after trying these two options, we highly suggest that the patient should see a doctor or even a dermatologist for further advice and treatment.

Do not self-treat and do not take medicines from non-medical professionals as they may not have been prescribed for the same condition.

For more information, contact Behram’s Plaisance Pharmacy:

-                       Telephone: 4 345 783

-                       Email: plaisancepharmacy@seychelles.net

F.P.