Hand Eczema

Here is the organized content:

Introduction

There are many health problems that plague us from time to time, especially when the seasons change, which can negatively affect the course of our lives. The lack of sufficient awareness and civility necessary to confront these problems plays a prominent role in increasing their severity and their effects on us.

This is why we find that many governments and local and international organizations deliberately devote awareness campaigns to these problems and diseases, in order to educate people well and make them aware of their repercussions and how to deal with them correctly.

Hand Eczema: Causes and Symptoms

The Saudi Ministry of Health website indicates that hand eczema is a skin problem that affects the hands, resulting in inflammation, dryness, itching, and irritation of the skin. Hand eczema is one of the most common types of eczema; it is often a long-term condition and can occur at any age, including during childhood.

Hand eczema generally occurs as a result of an allergic reaction to any substance that irritates the skin. Since many things can cause hand eczema, it may be difficult to determine the cause in this case, and therefore it is best to consult a dermatologist to determine the cause for each case separately. Medical advice regarding it.

However, medical sources confirm that there are factors that irritate the skin and cause eczema. These include exposure of the hands to water for long periods, exposure to chemicals such as detergents, rapid changes in temperature between hot and cold, friction, stress or anxiety.

Regarding symptoms, you may notice that your hands are dry and peeling, or sometimes they have deep, painful cracks; So these symptoms often indicate that you have hand eczema.

Symptoms of Hand Eczema

• Dry, cracked skin (often the first sign).
• Red or dark brown spots of irritation on the skin.
• Inflammation, peeling, and itching of the skin.
• Burning sensation.
• Itchy blisters.
• Deep and painful cracks.
• Crusts, pus, and pain on the affected skin.

Hand Eczema: Treatment and Prevention Methods

Effective treatment begins with identifying the cause (and irritants) and trying to avoid them as much as possible. Your doctor may also include a moisturizer, barrier repair cream, or cortisone cream in your treatment plan, as well as antihistamines such as Claritin or Benadryl to help reduce symptoms.

Do you not prefer drug treatments for a long time? Some home remedies and preventive steps can help you with this issue. The specialized website “WebTeb” reviews these treatments as follows:

1. Wet and cold compresses can help reduce the discomfort associated with itchy skin.
2. A moisturizer may help reduce hand dryness and itching. Moisturizers include petroleum jelly and mineral oil.
3. Changing your diet may also help relieve the symptoms of hand eczema. Some materials, such as nickel or cobalt, can trigger eczema, so avoiding them is a good option.
4. If cracks make your hands constantly bleed, try soaking your hands in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes and then drying them. After that, use an ointment that helps heal dry and cracked skin. Then wear gloves for at least 30 minutes, and be sure to do this twice a day.
5. Knowing the substances that cause hand eczema and protecting them at home and at work. To prevent further irritation of the skin.
6. Wash hands with lukewarm (not hot) water and use fragrance-free soap.
7. Gently dry your hands, then apply moisturizer immediately after washing your hands.
8. The most effective moisturizers are those with a high oil content (such as ointments and creams).
9. Keep a humidifier near every sink in the house; To avoid forgetting to use it after washing your hands.
10. Avoid waterless antibacterial cleansers, which often contain ingredients such as alcohol that may be too harsh on the hands, especially during irritation.
11. Keep cotton gloves around the house; To protect hands while doing household chores and wash them with a fragrance-free detergent when they become dirty.
12. Use disposable gloves when handling certain foods such as potatoes, onions, or peppers; Or meat and acidic fruits such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.
13. Ask someone else to shampoo your hair or wash it yourself while wearing protective gloves (waterproof vinyl with cotton linings).
14. Remove rings from fingers while doing household chores, and before washing and drying hands, as irritating substances can get stuck underneath.
15. Keep clothing, protective equipment, tools, and work surfaces clean and free of irritating residue.
16. Treating hand wounds (even minor ones) and bandaging them; To avoid irritation from allergens or chemicals.

Hand Eczema: Can it Appear Again?

Hand eczema usually disappears within a few weeks without complications, leaving no noticeable marks or scars, according to WebTeb.

If you scratch the affected area for any reason, it may feel more uncomfortable or take additional time to heal. Eczema may also progress further as a result of scratching and trying to remove the blisters. Therefore, it is better for you to be cautious in this case, and avoid scratching the affected area, no matter how itchy you feel that may prompt you to do so.

Although eczema may heal, it can recur, since the cause of it is unknown. Therefore, it is always best to be careful and follow the preventive tips and guidelines that we discussed in the previous paragraph. It is always useful to consult a specialist doctor, who, through a medical examination, will certainly help you develop a treatment and preventive plan that will protect you from the consequences of hand eczema and relieve you of its annoying symptoms.

Conclusion

Hand eczema is a common skin condition that can cause discomfort, itching, and dryness. It is essential to identify the cause of the condition and take steps to avoid irritants, use moisturizers, and follow a treatment plan to relieve symptoms. With proper treatment and prevention, hand eczema can be managed and controlled.

FAQs

• What are the common symptoms of hand eczema?
  • Dry, cracked skin
  • Red or dark brown spots of irritation
  • Inflammation, peeling, and itching of the skin
• What are the common causes of hand eczema?
  • Exposure to water for long periods
  • Exposure to chemicals such as detergents
  • Rapid changes in temperature between hot and cold
  • Friction, stress, or anxiety
• What are some home remedies for hand eczema?
  • Wet and cold compresses
  • Moisturizers
  • Changing your diet
• Can hand eczema be prevented?
  • Yes, by identifying and avoiding irritants, using moisturizers, and following a treatment plan
• Can hand eczema recur?
  • Yes, since the cause of it is unknown, it is essential to be cautious and follow preventive tips and guidelines to manage the condition.