Hand eczema

[skiingis4me]

My hands have eczema, occassionally I have what can only be described as an attack.  They itch terribly, the skin between my fingers becomes very red, I scratch and rub my hands together like crazy, worsening the condition.  My hands become swollen, then the skin hardens and the whole process begings over again, lasting two to three weeks between attacks.  What can I do when an attack occurs?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Eczema is a form of atopic dermatitis. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid.But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

During the day, hydrate and protect hands from sun damage and sunspots with a protective and moisturizing cream. At night, repair them with creams formulated from glycolic acid a must for improving skin texture and tone. For a more intensive nighttime treatment, apply cream and then cover hands with gloves or socks. Your body heat helps the cream sink deeper into the skin.

If the symptoms persist then get an evaluation done by a dermatologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[sun2810]

i have exactly the same thing as you and it is horrible.my doctor prescribed a shower emolliant called dermol 200.it's a shower emollient and moisturise for the management of dry and pruritic (itchy) skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis.you use this instead of shower gel, soap and handwashes, because they just irratate your skin. you wash your whole body in this to keep your skin moisterised. you use this all your life because there is only a small chance that eczema will go away, so keep using it. when your hands get really bad try diprobase cream emollient, which is a moisteriser that will keep your skin healthy. when going out in the cold wear gloves as the cold weather on skin will just dry them out. good luck. can you tell me how you got on thanks.