Eczema on the Hand: Images, Causes, Remedies, and Further Information
Hand eczema is a common skin condition that affects up to 10% of people in the United States, with atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent type. This condition can also manifest as dyshidrotic eczema, which primarily affects the hands and feet.
Dermatologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating hand eczema. They assess symptoms, order diagnostic tests, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause, type, and severity of the eczema.
For hand eczema, dermatologists often recommend a combination of moisturizing base therapy and anti-inflammatory topical treatments such as corticosteroid creams or calcineurin inhibitors. Additional therapies may include tar-oil preparations, tannin-containing baths for blistering, keratolytic creams with salicylic acid or urea for thickened skin, UV light therapy (e.g., PUVA), and in severe cases, systemic treatment with drugs like Alitretinoin to reduce inflammation and prevent relapses.
Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx, is characterised by itchy blisters on the palms of hands, fingers, or soles of feet that may last 2 to 3 weeks. Allergies, frequent handwashing or immersion in water, and exposure to metals, fragrances, and chemicals can trigger dyshidrotic eczema.
Prevention is key in managing hand eczema. Avoid direct exposure to irritating substances, wear gloves if hands are to be submerged in water for long periods, use only fragrance-free soaps, detergents, and lotions, choose a hand sanitizer with a moisturizer, avoid irritating fabrics, and if you have allergies, avoid your triggers whenever possible. Stress management can also help prevent eczema flare-ups.
For those who find these preventive measures insufficient, prevention therapy like biologics or JAK inhibitors may be necessary. It's important to note that eczema can affect various body parts simultaneously, and hand eczema can be the only manifestation of eczema on the body.
If you continue to experience severe hand eczema symptoms, it may be time to see a dermatologist for help. Other skin conditions that may be mistaken for eczema include tinea manuum (ringworm), scabies, palmoplantar pustulosis, lichen planus, and pityriasis rubra pilaris.
With careful adherence to treatment and prevention plans, it's possible to recover from hand eczema. Managing hand eczema at home involves applying an unscented moisturizing hand cream within a few minutes of washing hands, washing hands in cool or lukewarm water with unscented soap, pat hands dry instead of rubbing them with a towel, applying a moisturizer to hands before bed and wearing cotton gloves for better absorption, keeping fingernails short to help prevent accidental cuts and wounds caused by scratching eczema rashes, and taking a few days off work during treatment, if possible.
In conclusion, hand eczema is a common skin condition that can significantly impact quality of life. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatments, individuals can take proactive steps to manage and potentially overcome hand eczema. If symptoms persist or worsen, it's crucial to seek the advice of a dermatologist.
