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ECZEMA : HAND - CHEIROPOMPHOLOX

What is Hand Eczema ?

Hand eczema is a type of skin inflammation which mainly affects the palms. The key symptom is an itchy, lumpy rash. In more acute cases, the hand becomes red and swollen. Small blisters develop just under the skin. These areas of inflammation are scattered over the fingers and the palm but can also affect other parts of the hands. The fingers may become quite swollen. Because of the itching, the area becomes badly chapped. If the eczema becomes very bad, the hands can become very painful and it may be difficult to perform normal daily tasks such as doing up buttons and zips. As the condition persists, some blisters may still be present. However, the skin becomes generally dry, scaly, and thickened. Over the finger joints, splits and cracks may develop which are very painful. Eventually, there are no blisters at all. The skin then appears very thick, dry and scaly.

How does Hand Eczema occur ?

Some cases are purely due to contact with irritants or substances to which the person has become allergic. In other cases, the eczema seems to be part of the make-up of the patient. It can then be triggered by a number of different factors. These include infections or irritants, as well as stress. This type may also be part of what is called an atopic tendency . Atopy is the combination of eczema, asthma and hay fever. Often people who have this form of hand eczema have a past history of eczema in childhood.

Why does Hand Eczema occur ?

The skin on the hands, and particularly the palms, is very thick. It is normally able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear. However, in people who regularly immerse their hands in detergents, oils or solvents, the protective barrier of the skin breaks down and the eczema may develop. If the eczema is due to an allergy, the allergic person will react to the substance every time it is brought into contact with the skin. The atopic type of hand eczema tends to run in families. Other members of the family may develop either the eczema, asthma or hay fever.

Treatment Involved for Hand Eczema

Treatment depends on the type of eczema that is present. There are three main principles: avoidance of skin contact with irritants and detergents, use of soap substitutes, and the application of steroid (cortisone-like) creams. Regardless of which type of eczema is present, you should avoid anything that will dry or irritate the skin. These include all detergents (such as soap), solvents, paints, glues and chemicals. In housework, rubber gloves should be used at all times. However, they should never be worn for more than 15 minutes at a time. Sweating in the gloves will tend to irritate the skin even more. Sometimes the use of cotton gloves within the rubber gloves is a good idea. In jobs where the skin may come in contact with water or chemicals, barrier creams may offer some protection. Protective gloves should be worn as well. Skin allergy tests may be done. If an allergy is found, that substance must be avoided in future. When washing hands, soak them first in clean water for 2 to 3 minutes, then wash with a soothing emulsifying ointment or aqueous cream cream, and finally patted dry. Steroids suppress the inflammation that causes the eczema. They also help to thin down the thickened skin. They should be used on a regular basis and always be used with a soothing emulsifying ointment or aqueous cream. By themselves, steroid creams tend to dry the skin. Antibiotics can be added to steroid cream to treat any additional infection of the skin. It is important to continue using these creams for as long as the eczema is present.

During Treatment for Hand Eczema

The eczema may be worsened by irritants, infection and emotional stress, despite treatment.

After Treatment for Hand Eczema

Even once the skin is completely clear of eczema, it tends to remain very sensitive. Take great care not to expose the hands to irritants. The use of rubber gloves and barrier creams is important for keeping the skin in good order.

If Hand Eczema is Left Untreated

The eczema would tend to become chronic with thickening and cracking of the skin. With time, infection will almost certainly get into the skin, causing more acute flare-ups of the eczema. If a trigger such as an irritant, allergy or stress is not removed, the eczema will persist. Non-allergic eczema will eventually settle even without treatment. It is impossible to predict how long this might take.

Effects on Family of Hand Eczema

Support is obviously needed, particularly with household chores. You should try and avoid these tasks if possible.