Your brother is probably suffering from a mild cement burn. Cement contains calcium oxide which combines with water to form calcium hydroxide. This increases the alkalinity of the cement and prolonged contact will result in caustic burns. Since your brother is a mason, his constant interaction with wet cement is the cause of his pitted skin. This skin condition called "liquefaction necrosis" is both treatable and preventable.
There are various safety measures that are necessary when working with cement. Personal protective equipment like protective gloves and clothing, kneepads, work boots etc. are essential for both skin care and health care. Since the root cause is increased alkalinity, it would be advisable to use soaps that are slightly acidic or pH neutral in order to create a balance and minimize skin damage. If wet cement comes in contact with exposed skin, it must be washed off thoroughly and immediately with plenty of water. If the protective clothing has developed cracks and the cement has started to seep through, it is better to replace the entire piece as repairing it might not eliminate the seepage completely.
Immediate treatment is necessary as ignoring this problem can cause further damage. The pits are actually small open wounds that attract bacterial and fungal infections and so it is important that they are cleaned daily using an antiseptic. As this condition robs your skin of moisture as well as its natural oils, it leaves it hardened, rough and dry. It would, therefore, be wise to use an antibacterial and antifungal cream to massage your skin every night. Using thin latex gloves beneath regular work gloves helps to minimize contact. There are also several hand washes that are available in the market today that cater specifically to alkaline-related tissue damage. These products degrade debris and damaged or necrotic tissues and prevent future pitting. There are also topical creams that contain enzymes that dissolve damaged tissue and encourage tissue regeneration.
You can use various natural treatments to complement your allopathic treatment. Massage your hands daily using a mixture of almond oil and castor oil to restore lost oils. You can also soak your hands in a bowl of warm water to which a few drops of virgin coconut oil have been added. Coconut oil is easily absorbed by the skin and as it is rich in antioxidants it will protect your skin from further damage. If the problem is not resolved within a week or two, it is advisable that you visit a dermatologist.
answered by G R