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Hand Eczema Article
Hand Eczema Is Just One Form Of Eczema
from:Hand Eczema is a disorder of the skin also referred to as hand dermatitis. Although it can occur at any age to anyone, it is often referred to as "housewife's eczema". Hand eczema is a variety of skin rashes and irritations that develop on the hands from different causes and irritants. Individuals that have hand eczema often have eczema or dermatitis somewhere else on their body and often have relatives with dermatitis. Hand eczema is a very common skin condition and often results from sensitive skin as well as an allergic reaction or irritation from something that was touched by the hands.
Patients with hand eczema may have itchy and scaly patches of skin, which flake almost constantly. They may also become cracked, red and very painful. Occasionally, the rash may have blisters that begin to ooze. Although hand eczema can occur to anyone at any time, they are more likely to occur to someone that has other skin problems such as allergies, asthma, hay fever or has been affected by these allergies as a child. Other factors that may induce hand eczema is a job that exposes your hands to hazardous or irritating chemicals.
The cracks, lesions and fissures usually start on the tips of the fingers, but sometimes the palms get affected as well. Their may be scaling, redness and crusting on the hands. Occasionally the edge of the nails become involved, in which case, the nails will become very rough and irregular. Although hand eczema is not contagious, it is often embarrassing for individuals, especially women who usually take extra care to have beautiful soft hands.
The causes of hand eczema are usually roughness on our hands. Our hands are born with a protective coating of oil. This is what keeps our hands moist and prevents dry skin. When we subject our hands to repeated soaps, chemicals, detergents, etc., our hands become cracked and dry. If this continues, they may also become red and inflamed. Some people are more prone to develop hand eczema than others are. If you are one of these unfortunate individuals, you need to take more precautions against drying out your hands. Sometimes hand eczema can occur from a combination of allergic reactions and irritating substances. They can be affected by one or these or both.
Your doctor or dermatologist will recommend a course of treatment for your hand eczema depending on different factors. In the meantime, there are many treatment methods and precautions you can take at home to help your hands as well as prevent future flare-ups. Protection of your skin is the most important part. Protect your hands from direct contact with harsh soaps, detergents and chemicals. Where waterproof gloves if your hands are in contact with acidy foods such as grapefruit, oranges, lemons, tomatoes and potatoes. Use unscented lotions for dry skin each day to prevent loss of any more natural oils, which are needed by your skin.