Hand Eczema: Symptoms and Treatments

Hand eczema is a form of dermatitis that occurs in the hands of individuals. There are several causes of hand eczema and the most common is work related. The kind of work that usually results to hand eczema is those centering on cleaning, hair dressing, mechanical work and many others.

The more common reasons for these particular kinds of work to be the focus of this form of dermatitis are the exposure and contact with allergens and irritants. Other factors that contribute to a person having hand eczema or any other kind of eczema are genes and stress. These factors also contribute to many forms of dermatitis and eczema.

Signs of Hand Eczema

The common symptoms of this form of dermatitis are mild to moderate itching or some form of sensation on the palms or the backs of the hands. Other may feel these symptoms in both areas. The skin will then become dry and reddish and itchiness will be inevitable. These very itchy bumps may turn into dry and scaling skin which is still very itchy. Other symptoms of hand eczema can be pain at the site as well as oozing bumps. Inflammation is another occurrence that will happen to a person who is affected by eczema.

Treating Hand Eczema

Usually hand eczema can be treated by minimizing the exposure to the allergens and irritants that may be causing it. Depending on the severity of the condition, a few days off work may be necessary or even a change in career.

Other than minimizing exposure to the allergens or irritants, there are also other ways to protect your hand from hand eczema. Wearing gloves can also help limit your hands' exposure to undesirable elements. In spite of this, gloves will need to be clean and dry before putting them on to prevent complications of the hand eczema.

Emollients work best for this kind of skin condition. These very effective moisturizers can help repair, rehydrate and protect your skin from eczema breakouts. Experts recommend applying a thin layer of thick cream or ointment on the affected areas to protect your skin. You may need to re-apply the ointment or cream when your hands get wet or dried up.

Take care of your hand eczema because it may get infected due to contact with dirt and other substances. Hand eczema may need treatment with antibiotic to stop the infection if the individual is suffering from an infection due to it.