Question about eczema ..

[melbidd]

I have moderate/severe eczema, and I started noticing that whenever my body comes in contact with water (shower, pools, etc.) my eczema worsens and becomes a lot more visible.  It's probably normal for this to happen, but I was wondering why does it happen?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Allergic reaction can occur to strong soaps, Solvents, chemicals, certain foods, food additives, plants, metals, cosmetics, even urine and faeces of some animals (dust mites).

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. 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 eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide). Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted.

[melbidd]

I find water irritates my skin (including my palms), afterwards my skin is very dry and bright red (where my ezcema is, which is mostly my arms, legs, chest and face .. pretty much everywhere when you think about it lol).  I find it's mostly warm/hot water, so I try to shower/wash my hands with colder water, which helps a little with the dryness.  You could maybe try that.

[jazavac]

Does water irritate your palms? I have very dry palms and wrinkled fingertips after washing hands.