What Causes Eczema On Hands
Eczema and hand dermatitis flares up when skin becomes hypersensitive to external factors. Those factors are many, and they can include exposure to chemicals like soap or detergent, the weather, pets, allergies and more. Eczema flare-ups can also be caused by hormones, stress and other internal factors, as well. There are many types of eczema, but the most common is atopic dermatitis.
How To Use Emollients
Use your emollient all the time, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms.
Many people find it helpful to keep separate supplies of emollients at work or school, or a tub in the bathroom and one in a living area.
To apply the emollient:
- use a large amount
- do not rub it in smooth it into the skin in the same direction the hair grows
- after a bath or shower, gently pat the skin dry and apply the emollient while the skin is still moist to keep the moisture in
You should use an emollient at least twice a day if you can, or more often if you have very dry skin.
During a flare-up, apply generous amounts of emollient more frequently, but remember to treat inflamed skin with a topical corticosteroid as emollients used on their own are not enough to control it.
Do not put your fingers into an emollient pot use a spoon or pump dispenser instead, as this reduces the risk of infection. And never share your emollient with other people.
Moisturize Hand Eczema Effectively
Moisturizing regularly and with a high-quality product is imperative to reduce itching, dryness and the related symptoms. Ideally, the best cream or lotion for hand eczema will be one with the fewest ingredients possible since the chemicals in commercial products are often a common trigger for eczema. One great example of an excellent natural eczema cream is the Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. This product provides effective hydration with six simple ingredients. It is gentle and will not cause discomfort when you apply it, even if your skin is cracked. We recommend you check out our Body Essentials Bundle. It consists of the Manuka cream PLUS our soothing Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap. The soap can be used as a full body soap, but it’s perfect for using as a hand soap throughout the day.
Protect with the Right Gloves
The most effective way to protect against eczema on hands is to cover them with the right gloves. This inhibits irritants from coming into contact with the skin on your hands, prevents scratching, allows for faster healing and it keeps hydration in place. Now, the right gloves are very important. You want gloves that are protective, but breathable and soft, such as cotton or bamboo gloves made from 100 percent natural materials. They should also be thin and stretchy so that they are comfortable.
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How To Use Topical Corticosteroids
Do not be afraid to apply the treatment to affected areas to control your eczema.
Unless instructed otherwise by a doctor, follow the directions on the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This will give details of how much to apply.
Most people only have to apply it once a day as there’s no evidence there’s any benefit to applying it more often.
When using a topical corticosteroid:
- apply your emollient first and ideally wait around 30 minutes until the emollient has soaked into your skin, or apply the corticosteroid at a different time of day
- apply the recommended amount of the topical corticosteroid to the affected area
- continue to use it until 48 hours after the flare-up has cleared so the inflammation under the skin surface is treated
Occasionally, your doctor may suggest using a topical corticosteroid less frequently, but over a longer period of time. This is designed to help prevent flare-ups.
This is sometimes called weekend treatment, where a person who has already gained control of their eczema uses the topical corticosteroid every weekend on the trouble sites to prevent them becoming active again.
What Causes Hand Eczema
Usually the cause is either an externally triggered contact rash or an internally generated skin reaction. Often there is repeated contact with a particular skin irritant that is causing one of these two things to occur. Common skin irritants include:
- Soaps and detergents, especially any with fragrances, as well as liquid soaps
- Water, particularly very hot water with prolonged skin contact and repeated hand washing
- All cleaning supplies
- Petroleum products such as gasoline, oil, grease
- Certain foods such as raw meat or citrus fruits
- Low humidity air, such as in cold weather or contact with dry heat such as fireplaces
Other things could be involved such as a bacterial or fungal infection. Your doctor may want to do tests to determine if a bacterial or fungal infection is present or may want to test you for particular allergies.
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What Is Eczema What Does It Look And Feel Like
Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, red, itchy and bumpy. Its one of many types of dermatitis. Eczema damages the skin barrier function . This loss of barrier function makes your skin more sensitive and more prone to infection and dryness.
Eczema doesnt harm your body. It doesnt mean that your skin is dirty or infected, and its not contagious. There are treatments that can help manage your symptoms.
In the word dermatitis, derm means skin and itis means inflammation. The word as a whole means inflammation of the skin. Eczema originates from the Greek word ekzein which means to boil over or break out.
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Before you seek the costly advice of a medical professional, explore DIY treatments. Eczema on hands home remedies might improve your lesions, cracks, bumps, and scales.
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Wear Gloves To Protect The Skin On Your Hands
Wear vinyl or plastic gloves for work that requires you to have your hands in water. Also, wear gloves when your hands are exposed to anything that can irritate your skin. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to soak up sweat from your hands. Take occasional breaks and remove your gloves. This will prevent a buildup of sweat inside your gloves.
Wear gloves when you go outside during the winter. Cold air and low humidity can dry your skin. Dryness can make your eczema worse. Wear clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend. Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate your skin.
Gentle Soaps And Detergents
Laundry detergent can contain harsh chemicals that aggravate eczema.
Many body washes and cleansers contain detergents, which help provide a soapy lather. Detergents and other lathering agents can dry out the skin, especially in people with eczema.
Bar soaps can also be harsh on the skin because of their alkalinity.
Try using a gentle, no-lather, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid products with rough particles for scrubbing or exfoliating, as these can further irritate the skin.
Many people with eczema also find that switching to a more gentle, fragrance- or color-free laundry detergent can help improve symptoms.
Try skipping fabric softener, which lingers on clothes and often contains fragrances and chemicals that can cause skin irritation.
Sitting next to a fireplace or near a furnace may feel good, but it can make eczema symptoms worse. The hot, dry air can dehydrate the skin and aggravate the itchiness of eczema.
Use a humidifier during the dry winter months and avoid getting too close to heaters and fireplaces.
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Who Gets Hand Dermatitis
Hand dermatitis is common, especially in young adult females, and accounts for 2035% of all forms of dermatitis. It may occur at any age, including during childhood. It is particularly prevalent in people with a history of atopic dermatitis.
Chronic hand dermatitis is estimated to affect 1015% of the population .
Hand dermatitis is particularly common in industries involving wet work or exposure to chemicals such as cleaning, catering, metalwork, hairdressing, healthcare, housework, painting and mechanical work. This is mainly due to contact with irritants, but specific contact allergies can contribute .
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The Nightmare Of Eczema On Hands
Yes, it feels like you are experiencing something straight out of a horror movie. People probably shun you when you stick out your hand for a handshake because they see your condition. Such rude behavior devastates you emotionally and makes you depressed. Eczema on hands is uncomfortable, itchy, painful, and embarrassing. Construction workers and machinists are increased risk.
Symptoms:
- Red, burgundy, or dark brown patches
- Burning sensation
What Causes Itchy Red Rash On Hands
A red, itchy rash on the hands can be enough to ruin your day. The itchiness is bothersome and distracting, and its location on the hands means the skin is constantly exposed. Any number of things can cause a rash on the hands, but commonly a rash results from exposure to certain allergens or chemicals, a condition called contact dermatitis.
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How Is Eczema Diagnosed
There is no specific test used to diagnose eczema. A doctor will look at the rash and ask about your symptoms and past health, as well as your family’s health. If you or your family members have any atopic conditions, that’s an important clue.
The doctor will want to rule out other conditions that can cause skin inflammation. The doctor might recommend that you see a dermatologist or an allergist.
Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Fish oil has long been prized for its laundry list of health benefits. Fish oils are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which can help with the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema. Unlike other fish oils, cod liver oil is also rich in vitamins A and D which are very helpful in treating issues like eczema.
Its important to look for a fermented oil. Typically, medical fish oil is derived from cooking the fish it comes from. Unfortunately, this can remove some of the most helpful compounds found in fish oil. Fermented oils dont rely on cooking to extract the oil, and as a result, they contain more of those helpful compounds which can help treat eczema.
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How Long Does It Last
In many cases, pompholyx will clear up on its own within a few weeks. The treatments below may help relieve your symptoms in the meantime.
Sometimes pompholyx may just occur once and never come back, but it often comes and goes over several months or years. Any of the triggers mentioned above can cause it to flare up again.
Occasionally, pompholyx can be more continuous and difficult to treat.
Tips To Prevent Hand Eczema
Now you know about the causes. What can you do to prevent it? Here are some helpful tips to prevent hand dermatitis.
1. Reduce the frequency and exposure to water. This is perhaps the easiest but difficult task for healthcare providers. As stated above, frequent and excessive washing is the leading cause of hand dermatitis. Obviously, if you can reduce the length and frequency of hand exposure to water, you can prevent the severity and the frequency of hand dermatitis.
You may not be able to reduce the frequency of hand washing at work, but you can limit the duration of each hand washing.
Also, you can reduce exposure to water at home. For example, use a dishwasher to wash dishes. Reduce the frequency and time you spent in the shower. Ask your family members to wash the fruits and vegetables.
2. Do not use hot water. Only wash hands with warm or lukewarm water. Hot water can really strip away the natural lipids and break down the skin barrier.
3. Wash hands with hand disinfectants, instead of water and soap. In the same study published in British Journal of Dermatology, use of hand disinfectant was not associated with self-reported hand eczema.
However, it is important to remember that nearly all hand disinfectants are made of alcohol. They can also dry up your hands quickly. So use less per application.
5. Carry a bottle of moisturizers in your pocket and apply it immediately after each hand washing. Apply ample amount of lotions, creams or ointment to both hands.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Dyshidrotic Eczema
Flares happen only on the hands and feet and usually begin with a rash of painful, deep-seated blisters called vesicles, although sometimes itching and burning sensations begin first. As blisters heal, the skin dries and often reddens and peels. This leaves it tender and dry and sometimes creates painful fissures or cracks. Skin can also become infected.
What Is Eczema On Hands
Eczema on hands is also known as hand dermatitis. It is a rather common condition which affects around 10% of the population of the United States. Irritating substances, contact allergens, and genetics all play a role in triggering this particular type of eczema. It most commonly affects people who work in healthcare, hairdressing, cleaning, and mechanical jobs where they are regularly in contact with chemicals and other irritants.
Hand eczema is not contagious. It is not something which you can catch from another person, or that you can give to someone else. Despite this, the symptoms of eczema on the hands can impact a persons self-esteem and their ability to perform their job.
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Bag Balm Soothes And Heals
My husband has had hand eczema for many years. His hands crack and bleed. He has tried Elidel and is currently using Cortisol. I recently bought something called Bag Balm, which is lanolin and petroleum jelly. It has been around since the 1800s. Farmers used to put it on their cows udders. When the wives noticed their husbands hands getting so soft, they started using it too!! Anyway, my husband is using the Bag Balm every night before bed, and he is having significant luck with it soothing and healing his dried, cracked hands.
Teena D.
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Eczema
There are steps you can take that may prevent eczema outbreaks:
- Establish a skin care routine, and follow your healthcare professionals recommendations for keeping your skin healthy.
- Wear gloves for jobs where you have to put your hands in water. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to absorb sweat, and wear gloves outside, especially during the winter months.
- Use mild soap for your bath or shower, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment immediately after drying your skin to help seal in the moisture. Reapply cream or ointment two to three times a day.
- Take baths or showers with tepid rather than hot.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Water helps to keep your skin moist.
- Try to avoid getting too hot and sweaty.
- Wear loose clothes made of cotton and other natural materials. Wash new clothing before wearing. Avoid wool.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
- Learn to recognize stress in your life and how to manage it. Regular aerobic exercise, hobbies and stress-management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, might help.
- Limit your exposure to known irritants and allergens.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas of skin.
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Lifestyle Tips For Hand Eczema
Find the cause.
Ask your doctor if they can do a âpatch testâ to learn what may be triggering your symptoms. They can also help you figure out if something in your day-to-day life, like at work, makes things worse and what you might do differently.
Cut back on handwashing.
Wash your hands only when they’re dirty or have germs, like after you use the bathroom. Each time you wash up, you rinse away some of the nourishing oils that your skin makes.
Also, be picky when you choose soaps because some have harsh chemicals. Look for products that donât use the word âsoapâ but instead say âmild cleansing barsâ or âlipid-free cleansers.â These are gentler on sensitive skin.
Before you suds up, take off your rings. They can trap irritants next to your skin. Rinse your hands with lukewarm water, pat them dry, and moisturize before you put rings back on.
Be sure to dry carefully between your fingers and under rings, where soap residue can linger and skin is more likely to dry or crack.
Stay dry.
You can also go waterless when washing your hands: Rub your usual cleanser between dry hands and blot it off with a soft towel.
Try to avoid hand sanitizers and waterless cleansers with irritating ingredients like alcohol or solvents.
Love the gloves — for a little while.
Wear disposable gloves when handling foods like citrus, tomatoes, onions, chilis, garlic, peppers, or meat.
Manage cracks on your hands.
Dial back the shower power.
Treatment For Pompholyx From A Gp
The main treatments your GP may recommend to treat the symptoms of pompholyx are similar to those used when treating atopic eczema, including:
- emollients use these all the time and instead of soap to stop your skin becoming dry
- steroid cream this reduces the inflammation and irritation and helps the skin heal
Your GP will probably prescribe a strong steroid cream to use for a short period of time to minimise the risk of steroid side effects.
You may be advised to wear cotton gloves at night to help the cream sink into the skin.
You can also try:
- soaking your hands in a dilute solution of potassium permanganate for 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a day for up to 5 days
- antihistamines to relieve the itching and help you sleep if the itchiness is keeping you awake at night
These treatments are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Your pharmacist can advise whether they’re suitable for you and how you should use them.
Antibiotics may be prescribed if your skin becomes infected.
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