Hand eczema is a common chronic skin condition that has affected more than 94 million Europeans due to a variety of causes. The common cause of eczema is your hands that are constantly exposed to the world. But don’t worry eczema can be treated, you just need to understand how you can prevent the infections and control the symptoms.

What is hand eczema?

Hand eczema is the most common type of eczema. It mainly affects the palms but can affect other parts of the hand, too. It is more common in people who have a history of eczema.

Symptoms of hand eczema

•         Dry skin
•         Itchy skin
•         Redness on skin
•         Cracking
•         Soreness
•         Bleeding
•         Painful cracks in the skin
•         Tiny blisters on the fingers

Causes of eczema

•         Environmental irritants, such as cold or damp weather
•         Genetics
•         Stress
•         Food allergies – such as allergies to cows' milk, eggs, peanuts, soya or wheat
•         Certain materials worn next to the skin – such as wool and synthetic fabrics.

5 Best treatments for eczema on hands

1. Avoiding the causes

Hand eczema is caused by many environmental factors that is why it is very important to avoid them in the first place. It has been seen that people who work in certain occupations, like hospitals, saloons, cleaning, and restaurants keep in touch with the water repeatedly.

Avoiding contact with anything that irritates your skin is key to healing and preventing hand eczema. Anything can be a hand eczema trigger, but common ones include:

• Wet hands
• Using  soaps or hand cleansers, ones that are antibacterial as they often contain solvents and alcohol
• Working with solvents, detergents, cement, or other irritating materials
• Wearing metal rings, particularly ones containing nickel

2. Maintain a good skin care routine

How you wash your hands makes a difference.

When you clean your hands:

• Take off your rings first.
• Use lukewarm water, not hot.
• Use fragrance-free soaps and hand wash.
• If sanitising isn't necessary, use a cleanser without water and blot off excess cleanser when you're done.
• Pat hands dry your hands with a soft towel, don’t forget to dry between the fingers.
• Apply a good moisturising cream or ointment.

3. Protect your hands

If you can't avoid your triggers altogether, there are some measures that you can take to help protect your hands, such as wearing gloves.

• Cotton gloves

Cotton gloves are used for dry activities, like folding laundry, dusting, and other chores around the house.

• Waterproof gloves

 Use when you will be in contact with wet substances, such as washing the dishes or cleaning with liquid cleaners. Choose latex-free gloves, like plastic or non-allergenic rubber. Wear cotton gloves underneath.

Other hand-protecting tips include:

• Keep your hands clean and dry before putting on gloves.
• Keep away from the water out of your gloves.
• If your gloves get wet, replace it with a dry glove.
• Do not wear plastic or rubber gloves for longer than 20 minutes.
• Always wear gloves while preparing foods like chopping potatoes, onions, peppers, meat, or acidic foods like citrus or tomatoes.
• Wear gloves to shampoo your hair.
• Use a dishwasher instead of a hand for washing dishes.
• Don't reuse disposable gloves.
• Regularly wash your gloves.
• Remove your rings before washing your hands.

4. Choose a hydrating moisturiser

Moisturising regularly and with a high-quality lotion is imperative to reduce itching, dryness, inflamed skin and the related hand eczema symptoms. Ideally, the best cream or lotion for hand eczema and sensitive skin will be one with the fewest ingredients possible since the chemicals in commercial products are often a common trigger for eczema

A good moisturiser (also called an emollient) helps to hydrate the skin, prevent itching, and repair the skin barrier.

When choosing a moisturiser:

• Go with fragrance-free products.
• Look for one that is greasy and contains as little water as possible.
• If your ointment makes your hands too greasy, use it at night.
• Reapply often throughout the day, especially after washing your hands.

5. Use topical steroids

 Topical steroids treat flaring eczema by reducing inflammation, helping skin that is sore, cracked and red or darker than the surrounding skin. Hands usually require stronger steroids (the skin of the palms is thick), so potent topical steroids are usually prescribed (moderately potent for children). They should be used for a short treatment burst generally 2 weeks. If the skin is infected, you may be prescribed an antibiotic treatment in the form of a cream, or even a course of tablets. 

6. Wash your hands properly

Hand eczema can be exacerbated by improper hand washing, so altering your routine ensures clean hands and prevents skin infections without the discomfort. Use warm water, never hot, and when possible, simply rinse with water instead of bringing soap into the mix. When you have to use soap, stick to the simplest soap possible,

Once your hands are clean, use a soft cloth to pat them dry gently - do not rub. While your hands are slightly damp, immediately apply an effective natural eczema cream to restore the hydration that is stripped away during washing to prevent developing hand eczema.

Conclusion

Avoiding irritants and having a moisturising skin care routine are the best ways to treat hand eczema. In some cases, medicated ointment and systemic medications are the best treatments.

If you want to treat or prevent your hand eczema use maGéAu naturel's natural hand lotion that contains 100% natural hydrating and moisturising ingredients like Shea butter magnesium that will keep your hands hydrated, moisturised, soothed, and protected for a very long time.

Keep maGéAu naturel's natural hand lotion next to your sink in your home or workplace to ensure you use it every time you wash your hands and whenever your skin feels dry. Order your maGéAu naturel's natural hand lotion now.