Hand Eczema Treatment - How To Get Rid Of Eczema On Your Hands And Other Parts Of Your Body

Eczema is a skin condition that can occur anywhere on the skin. It can also be found on the hands. This particular condition is also known as hand dermatitis and may affect about 10 percent of the population. Sufferers of this condition may have come in contact with certain irritants and hand eczema may affect people who hold catering, cleaning, healthcare, mechanical, and hairdressing jobs.

Hand eczema can affect the backs of the hands, the fingers, and the palms. This condition is characterized by red, itchy, and dry skin, and may be followed by the appearance of small fluid-filled blisters. This could lead to infection, which results in crusting skin, pustules, and pain. There are three kinds of hand eczema: allergic contact eczema, irritant contact eczema, and atopic eczema. Allergic contact eczema is triggered by sensitizing chemicals. Irritant contact eczema is triggered by substances like oil, cement, and shampoos. Atopic eczema is linked to genetics.

To treat hand eczema, it is best to identify the cause of the problem. In allergic contact and irritant eczema, keeping away from the offending chemicals and protecting the hands using cotton or silk gloves is sufficient.

Moisturizers or emollients help maintain hydration and integrity of the skin. Use soap substitutes instead of soap. Other options are topical immunosuppressants and ultra-violet light treatment. For severe cases of hand eczema, it may be vital to use oral formulations of potent immunosuppressants or steroids. Powerful immunosuppressants are ciclosporin and azathioprine.

A new therapy for severe chronic hand eczema was launched in September 2008. This particular treatment is part of the retinoid group of medicines that are derived from Vitamin A. This retinoid group has been used in the treatment of skin diseases like acne and psoriasis for the last 40 years. The new therapy, alitretinoin (Toctino), is taken once a day. In clinical trials, alitretinoin has been shown to clear up symptoms in almost 50 percent of patients within six months. However, alitretinoin can cause possible side effects like increasing cholesterol levels and headaches. Women of childbearing age should be weary of this medicine as a retinoid may cause severe birth defects.

In addition to conventional medication, one must also stress the value of natural remedies. These remedies' are far better than medication because they do not let the hand eczema sufferer experience side effects. Plus, natural therapies can be implemented for a long period of time.