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Scaly brown skin on hand
My hand looks extremely different from the rest of the body; and it becomes extremely dry and covered with brown scaly patches. Please tell me the skin condition, and will it spread to the rest of the body?
Answers (12)
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Locally apply glycerin with lemon on hand specially at night. Can be applied two times. Slowly this will.go.
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Ceramide cream
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Please connect me on practo for further management and evaluation.
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Likely the weather. Doesn’t look anything serious like Icthyosis.
Regular moisturiser should help.
All the best.
J G S R clinic.
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed free discussion
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Based on your description —
• Hands looking very different from the rest of the body
• Extreme dryness
• Brown scaly patches
The most likely cause is hand eczema (dry skin dermatitis).
This usually happens due to:
• Frequent handwashing
• Soap, sanitizers, detergents
• Weather changes
• Hard water
Less commonly, it could be:
• Fungal infection (if one hand is more affected)
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation from chronic dryness
In most cases, this is not serious and is treatable.
Next Steps
1. Start a thick moisturizer (petroleum jelly or ceramide cream)
→ Apply 3–4 times daily, especially after washing hands.
2. Switch to a mild soap (avoid harsh or antiseptic soaps).
3. If there is itching or redness:
• Use a mild steroid cream once daily for 5–7 days (if prescribed).
4. If scaling is mainly on one hand:
• Use an antifungal cream for 2–3 weeks.
If no improvement in 10–14 days, consult a dermatologist.
Health Tips
• Do not wash hands repeatedly without need.
• Always moisturize after handwashing.
• Wear gloves while using detergents.
• Avoid hot water on hands.
• Keep nails short to prevent skin damage.
This condition is common and usually improves with proper skin care and treatment.
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More detailed history is desirable
Next Steps
Consultation for detailed discussion is advisable
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Dr. Kamal Kumar
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rewari
Dear Patient
Your hand symptoms are most likely due to chronic hand eczema or severe dryness. It commonly occurs from frequent washing, soaps, detergents, or environmental exposure damaging the skin barrier. It is usually not dangerous and does not spread unless infection develops.
Dry brown scaly patches mean skin inflammation and moisture loss.
Scratching can worsen pigmentation and thickness.
Weather change, stress, and nutrition also affect healing.
What you should do
Use a thick moisturizer or ceramide cream 3 to 4 times daily.
Avoid harsh soaps and hot water.
Wear gloves while using detergents.
Apply moisturizer at night for better repair.
If not improving in 1 to 2 weeks or cracks/pain appear, consult me
For proper treatment and guidance you can consult me or text me on Practo.
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Take multivitamins supplements
Do consult dermatologist
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Need few more details for further evaluation. Kindly consult
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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