Sylvia’s account of life with hand eczema

Hand eczema can be distressing and can impact every facet of life. Our hands are essential to nearly everything we do and are always on display. For those with hand eczema, this visibility often adds an emotional burden to the physical discomfort of itchiness, dryness, and red, inflamed skin. ESC is here to help, and has resources and treatment information to assist patients. If your hand eczema is not getting better, a dermatologist can support you.

Long-time ESC volunteer and Eczema Ambassador Sylvia shared her experience with hand eczema.

“Hand eczema impacts my day from when I get up to when I go to bed. Everything I do with my hands is difficult because my hands are always dry, rough, and extremely itchy. It can crack, and when it cracks, it hurts.

I want to hide my hands because they’re so red. I don’t wear any rings on my fingers because I don’t want to attract attention. I’m conscious that every time I shake somebody’s hand, that person will notice that my hands are rough and dry.”

The pain from hand eczema is not the only burden; there can also be stigma associated with the condition. Sylvia shared, “There was a moment when I was travelling that stayed with me. I was waiting in line to pay for an item. The woman at the register handed the change back into each person’s hands, but when she saw my hands, she put the change on the counter because she didn’t want to touch my hands.

I’m sharing my story to remind others that they’re not alone—and that support is available. Whether working with a dermatologist or connecting with organizations like the Eczema Society of Canada, help is out there.”

ESC sincerely thanks Sylvia for sharing her story. If you or your child is struggling with eczema and need urgent care, go to your nearest emergency department. If you need support, email ESC at info@eczemahelp.ca.

April 2025