How To Treat Eczema On Fingers Naturally

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.

Eczema In Infants And Children

It is very distressing for parents to see their toddlers and infants suffer from eczema. According to the National Eczema Association, around 10% of all infants in the U.S. suffer from some form of infant eczema.2

The appearance of infant eczema is different from eczema in older children and adults. Depending on the age of your infant, patches of eczema appear in different places. According to the National Eczema Association, the stages of infant eczema are as follows:2

• Babies under 6 months. Red patches of weepy skin around your babys face and on the scalp.
• Babies from 6 to 12 months. Patches of eczema develop around the elbows and knees. If these patches become infected, then pus bumps can occur which turn crusty when the pus dries.
• Toddlers from 2 to 5 years. Your toddlers eczema thickens and have the appearance of dry, scaly, and inflamed skin. Outbreaks of eczema may be more common around the mouth and eyelids.

The Diet Connection With Eczema

I feel it is important to note that all of the topical remedies in the world didnt help us until we addressed the underlying problem, in our case: diet and lifestyle factors that were causing/contributing to eczema.

Just as you cant out supplement a bad diet in other areas, topical remedies dont address the underlying problem.

Certainly, eczema and other skin issues are complex conditions with a potential variety of causes, but there do seem to be some common things that help .

Also Check: Doctors Who Specialize In Eczema

Different Types Of Eczema

Also known as eczema craquelé, asteatotic eczema is more common in older people.

Usually, it affects the shins, but it can also affect other areas such as:

• Thighs
• Stomach
• Back

With asteatotic eczema, the skin becomes very dry, rough and scaly, and sometimes resembles crazy paving or a dried-up riverbed.

Remedies To Improve Eczema Scarring

Treating eczema scars ranges in difficulty, depending on the severity. The key is to return moisture to prevent itching, lichenification, and cracking on your skin. There are a number of treatments available to improve symptoms and prevent scarring. In some cases, treatment can also help to reduce scarring.

Before pursuing alternative treatment, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. While homeopathic remedies can help reduce symptoms, more severe cases of eczema may require traditional medical treatment.

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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.

Tips To Treat Hand Eczema

1. If you have a full flare of hand eczema, moisturizer alone is not going to be enough. You need to shut down the underlying inflammation by applying high potency steroids along with thick moisturizers .

Do not use moisturizers that are lotion or creams, because they have surfactants, emulsifiers, and preservatives. These agents can irritate the skin causing stinging, pain and worsening the hand dermatitis.

Also, limit the frequency and duration of steroids use to the hands. If you notice the hand eczema is improving, slowly taper the steroids, meaning use less amount and apply less frequently.

2. Before going to sleep, soak hands in lukewarm water to soften the skin a bit. Pat the hands dry with a towel. Do not rub the hands vigorously with the towel. Do not over dry it either.

Apply a thick layer of ointment or balm to coat the whole hands. Wear cotton gloves to bed. This combination traps the water, moisture and natural lipids/oil to hands.

3. Consider getting a patch test to make sure you have no new allergies.

4. Watch out for potential infection. If your hands are red, swollen, or hot to touch, you may have an infection. Consider seeing your physician as you may need antibiotics.

Read Also: Can Allergy Shots Cause Eczema

How To Prevent Eczema Flare

Eczema is a chronic skin condition which can only be cured until the next flare-up. Therefore, one of the best ways in managing outbreaks of eczema is to take steps to prevent the frequency of eczema flare-ups.

Dermatologist, Dr. Debra Jaliman recommends a few simple tips which can reduce the frequency of eczema outbreaks on your skin:

• Moisturize your skin regularly throughout the day to keep a protective barrier on your skin and prevent itchiness.
• Try to avoid sudden changes in temperature.
• Stress can trigger an eczema flare-up, so try to find ways to manage stress better.
• Avoid clothing and other fabrics that can irritate sensitive areas of skin that are prone to eczema flare-ups.
• Avoid soaps and detergents that strip the skin of its protective oils.

Dr. Jaliman also said that certain foods can trigger an outbreak.

Protective Gloves For Eczema Fingers

Here are some gentle clothing solutions for protecting your hands and soothing irritating symptoms:

Remedywear Gloves – available for adults and kids, these gentle gloves are made with eco-friendly TENCEL and embedded with anti-inflammatory zinc oxide. Together, this unique combination of fibers helps reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis, reduce itchiness and improve quality of sleep when worn overnight for three consecutive nights. The breathable and moisture-wicking fabric makes them perfect for wearing overnight to improve symptoms.

Granberg® Eczema Gloves – these super soft gloves for adults and kids are made from biodegradable bamboo. Offering a tailored fit, they truly fit like a second skin. Your irritated fingertips will enjoy the cooling touch of the fabric, especially when used in combination with wet wrap therapy.

Also Check: Eczema Skin Care For Baby

Home Remedies For Eczema

Home remedies for eczema can be simple or complex. The easiest, most effective treatment is to make changes to avoid or remove whatever is causing the allergic reaction. But try not to expect a quick response. Eczema is easier to control than cure.

Here are some things you can try on your own to ease the irritation of eczema.

Change your laundry detergent or fabric softener. Liquid detergents may be less irritating than powders or tablets. Use an extra rinse cycle when you wash to remove residue.

Put on a cool compress. Holding a clean, damp cloth against skin can ease itching.

Take lukewarm showers or baths for no more than 10 or 15 minutes to prevent dry skin. Dry yourself very carefully and apply moisturizing lotion all over your body.

Add colloidal oatmeal to the bath or as a paste on your skin. This finely ground oatmeal helps with itchy, dry skin. Or try a baking soda bath or paste.

A mild solution of bleach and water may ease inflammation and itching, as well as killing the bacteria that can cause skin infections when you have eczema. Add a half-cup of household bleach to a full tub of water, soak for 10 minutes, and rinse. Talk to your doctor before giving this a try because chlorine can cause problems for some people.

Add apple cider vinegar to bath water. Use an amount between 1-2 cups.

Moisturize your skin twice a day. But avoid lotions with fragrances or other irritating ingredients.

Balancing The Skins Acidity Levels

Vinegar is highly acidic. The skin is naturally acidic, but people with eczema may have less acidic skin than others, which can weaken the skins defenses.

Applying diluted apple cider vinegar could help balance the skins acidity levels, but vinegar can cause burns if it is not diluted.

In contrast, many soaps, detergents, and cleansers are alkaline. They can disrupt the acidity of the skin, which can leave the skin vulnerable to damage. This may explain why washing with certain soaps can cause eczema flares.

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Precautionary Measures To Treat Dyshidrotic Eczema

• To avoid making your pain and itching more unfavorable, try not to scratch or break your blisters.
• Its recommended and significant to avoid frequent exposure to water, such as too much hand washing. If necessary, make sure to moisturize them after washing.
• It is advised to avoid hot water baths and showers to prevent dryness of skin. High temperature water can make the body lose its natural oil, thus, making it dry.
• Avoid using products that can aggravate your skin, such as perfumed lotions and dishwashing soap. Prefer using gentle soaps and natural cleansers. Hypoallergenic cleansers are a good option for people with sensitive skin. Also, avoid vigorous scrubbing.
• Extremely sweaty hands or feet may be related to dyshidrotic eczema. Try to keep them dry and make sure to medically treat them as soon as the onset of the skin condition is administered.
• An effective eczema-care routine, including proper moisturization and using prescribed drugs, can help control an outbreak. Follow a diet which is free of nickel. Chocolates, shellfish, almonds are found to be rich in nickel.
• In case if required, cover your hands or feet using breathable fabrics like cotton.

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How Are Acupuncture And Acupressure Effective For Treating Eczema

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine used to treat a variety of disease conditions. It has been studied and practiced for more than 2500 years. The acupuncture practice is done using fine needles which are inserted into specific points in your body. This triggering of certain points is known to alter the flow of energy. For some of you, the thought of getting needles inserted into your body may be terrifying, but some claim that it is effective in relieving their symptoms and it is not that painful. Research is not adequate for its effectiveness in treating eczema, however, some believe that it can relieve the itch.

Acupressure uses the hands and fingers of the therapist to apply pressure instead of using needles. This may also have relief against irritation and itching in eczema.

Read Also: Natural Skin Care Products For Eczema

How To Treat The Eczema On Hands

Here are some tips that can be helpful to treat hand eczema:

• take a bath in warm water and use a mild soap. Minimize the use of soap
• Apply a moisturizing agent to the skin immediately after bathing to maintain moisture in the skin. Avoid moisturizers that contain perfumes, as these can make the situation worse
• avoid scratching the affected areas. Some people wear cotton gloves at night to avoid scratching while sleeping
• keep the nails short
• do not allow perspiration to accumulate on the skin
• avoid clothes that do not allow the skin to breathe.

Practicing Relaxation Techniques To Fight Stress

Stress is a well-known trigger for eczema. Stress plays a role in developing inflammation not only on the skin but also in other parts of your body. So, if you learn to manage stress and cope with stressful situations in life, you can reduce eczema flare-ups.

Here are some relaxation techniques you can practice to reduce stress.

If you practice relaxation techniques regularly, your stress levels will fall. With time you will notice that there is an improvement in your skin too.

As you can see, there are many tried and tested natural remedies to treat eczema. They may not be effective for all especially if your eczema is widespread and severe. But for some of you, these natural treatments will work wonders in soothing your skin and reducing the symptoms of your eczema.

However, if you are on prescription medications for your eczema, it is better to check with your dermatologist or your doctor, before you try natural home remedies.

There are certain home remedies we can try to treat and to prevent eczema.

If you live with eczema, avoid anything which can irritate or dry up your skin which can lead to a flare-up. Perfumes, wool clothing, tight-fitting clothes may be such irritants.

It is also known that food allergies are a common cause of eczema, especially in children. Common foods that are linked to eczema are eggs, soy, wheat, milk, seafood, and peanuts. Try to eliminate some of these and see whether there is an improvement in your eczema.

Read Also: Best Eye Cream For Eye Eczema

Natural Ingredients In Eczema Moisturizers

These natural ingredients commonly show up in moisturizers for baby eczema, including moisturizers approved by the National Eczema Association. However, not all of them are clinically proven to treat baby eczema.

Calendula: Calendula comes from the marigold flower, and may help reduce inflammation when applied as part of a baby eczema moisturizer. It has been used for many years to treat various skin conditions, including baby eczema. Studies haven’t yet proven it effective, though.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help fight skin infections. It may also help to soothe dry skin. So, it has been used in moisturizers to help treat baby eczema. Although its antibacterial properties are proven, more research is still needed on aloe’s effectiveness on baby eczema.

Vitamin B12:One randomized controlled study has shown that topical vitamin B12 improves eczema symptoms in children.

Another key piece of baby eczema care is to identify and remove your baby’s eczema triggers. Read this article for more on the triggers that may cause your baby’s eczema to flare, and check out this article for more on caring for your baby’s eczema.

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All health-related content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your own pediatrician in connection with any questions regarding your babys health.

Medical Dyshidrotic Eczema Treatments Include:

Your doctor may also recommend using the following twice a day to relieve itching

• Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline
• Creams such as Lubriderm or Eucerin

In case of a few severe cases, the dermatologist may prescribe immunosuppressant creams like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus . The creams are not recommended in case of children and pregnant women.

Also Check: Will Coconut Oil Help Eczema

Get Serious About Moisturizing

Hydrating regularly with a heavy-duty ointment or cream achieves two important things. First, it eases dryness that can lead to itching. Second, it acts as a barrier to block out potential irritants that can make you more uncomfortable or up the risk for infection.

Reach for a dense moisturizer or petroleum jelly, and again, steer clear of anything containing dyes or perfumes. Slather the stuff on within a minute or two after bathing and reapply as often as you feel like you need it.

For serious rejuvenation for hands and feet, apply before bedtime and slip on some cotton socks or gloves. Get a solid 78 hours and wake up to refreshed skin.

A Note About Infant Eczema

Eczema isnt a problem just because it causes pain and itching. In babies, it can be a risk factor for other problems. I didnt realize this when we were figuring out my sons issues, but according to newer research babies with eczema have a 1 in 3 chance of developing a food allergy later in life. In fact, they are 11 times more likely to develop a peanut allergy by their first birthday compared to infants without eczema.

Its also important to note that symptoms for eczema often occur earlier than a food allergy, furthering the importance of food allergy prevention for babies with eczema.

Due to this research and other landmark clinical trials such as the LEAP trial, the National Institutes of Health and American Academy of Pediatrics now recommend introducing allergenic foods early and often specifically for infants with eczema to reduce their risk of developing a food allergy.

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Changes In The Gut Flora

Gut health certainly has an effect on the immune system, and theres a clear connection between eczema and gut health. This is in part due to the diet consumed by many children and families that includes large amounts of carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods. Common food additives can push microbial communities in the wrong direction, by aiding the emergence of new pathogens, and by selectively feeding certain microbes, ultimately leading to illness and even death. Typically, gut microbes are kept slightly removed from the intestinal lining by a thin layer of mucus, and the Standard American Diet can erode that protective barrier. An ideal diet, one rich in whole foods high in soluble fiber helps keep the mucus barrier thick and healthy.

In addition, changes in the gut flora could be due to changes in birth practices and infant feeding practices. In terms of birth practices, C-sections comprise 32 percent of births in the US, potentially leading to an overall lower range of diversity of gut flora and fewer beneficial strains of bacteria. This contrasts with vaginal births in which babies are bathed in microorganisms of the mothers vagina . In terms of feeding practices, breastfeeding leads to a more diversified microflora, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.