Hand eczema, also known as contact dermatitis, is mainly caused by frequent hand washing and exposure to common irritants, for instance hand soap, detergent, hair colouring etc. Hence why housewives, nurses and hairdressers are prone to this skin problem. Some common symptoms include inflammation, blister or ulcer triggered by bacteria infection. Soap-based or alcohol-based detergents strip away skin’s natural sebum, damage the skin barrier, leaving skin vulnerable to irritants. The skin become easily irritated and itchy. The more you wash, the more you itch. Break the itch-scratch cycle.