Do you need medical treatment for swelling of the hands due to cement contact?

Individuals who have skin problems, such as swelling of the hands, due to cement contact should seek medical attention, according to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). The inflammation is often mild; however, sometimes it is a symptom of a severe reaction that requires attention before it becomes a chronic condition.

In many people, contact with wet cement causes dermatitis, which is characterized by itching, redness, swelling, blisters or scaling of the skin, OSHA states. Irritant contact dermatitis is a non-allergic reaction to cement's drying and abrasive qualities; however, some individuals develop allergic contact dermatitis, which worsens with additional exposures. Skin patch tests are used to determine if the allergy exists.