This eczematous condition is frequently seen among persons whose occupations demand repeated and frequent hand washing. "Overwashing" the hands, allergies or contact with irritants all can contribute to hand dermatitis. In the case of hand overwashing, prolonged and extended washing with soap causes inflammation of the skin of the hand through friction in scrubbing and removal of the protective skin barrier by soaps. Contributing factors include the frequent and alternating wetting and drying, sweating, contact allergies or sometimes a reaction to a skin fungal infection may play important and different roles in precipitating and propagating this condition . Home healthcare givers, doctors, and nurses etc are particularly at occupational risk for this condition. In addition, persons with obsessive compulsive hand washing and germaphobic tendencies, or autism spectrum disorders are equally at risk and can end up developing a rash in the palm of their hands as severe or even worse than the one depicted in the picture. This eczema can constitute an unpleasant sight, can be extremely itchy with tiny bubbles and bumps on the sides of the fingers and palms. These hands can be a source of undue anxiety in a handshake, and worse still, for a patient being nursed with them.

Prevention requires that persons in direct patient and bedside care, and all those who's job require repeated hand washing, incorporate the use of hand moisturizers to reduce chances of developing hand dermatitis. Hand dermatitis that does not respond to such conservative measures require treatment directed at some of the contributing factors already described.