Dishpan hands may require some explanation in present day because most people don’t call the thing they use to wash dishes a dishpan. Instead when people handwash dishes, they usually place the dishes in a dish tub. Dishpan hands might really be more accurately called dish tub hands.

Essentially the condition causes dry, red or flaky skin on the hands, usually from excessive exposure to water and various soaps. People who wash dishes regularly may experience some degree of dishpan hands because soaking the hands in water and soap constantly can deplete oil in the skin and cause skin dryness. Some find their skin is more irritated by exposure to the different kinds of soaps used, and discover that using a gentle dish detergent can help this problem immensely.

Once dishpan hands occurs, people can have a few options for treating them. Moisturizers and lotions made for dry or damaged skin can help. People affected may want to choose hypoallergenic and fragrance free skin treatments so that raw or dry hands aren’t irritated further. Others advocate the use of natural substances like aloe vera, which may be effective for minor cases. Most important is not exposing the hands to further dishwashing and using waterproof gloves or reassigning this chore to someone else.

Sometimes skin irritiation gets very significant, and some people who think they have dishpan hands could actually have fungal infections. Exposure to constant moisture creates a perfect environment for fungi to thrive. If the problem doesn’t resolve with a few days’ treatment with moisturizer, or if it worsens and skin starts peeling or is very uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

Another condition that can be confused with dishpan hands is contact dermatitis, which may result from exposure to chemicals in dish soap. Severe fungal infections and forms of dermatitis may require prescribed medications for treatment. Delaying proper treatment for either of these conditions can exacerbate them and lead to great discomfort.