Question by fragile.: desperate for some help with my hand eczema?
i have had eczema all my life. i have a prescription cortizone cream i use when i get flare ups. i am currently working at a job (dog grooming) where my hands are constantly exposed to water and then very dry heat under the blowers. as a result, i have hand eczema. i have it semi under control using the cortizone cream, but my hands are still very dry, flaky, itchy, swollen , red etc.
i now have some red itchy dots forming on part of my hand and on my arms. is this likely the eczema spreading? what is a good treatment for this? should i continue with the cortisone cream and lubriderm in between? should i just wash my hands (with dove bar soap) dry them and not apply any cream? im getting desperate for answers, if anyone has experience , please share with me. thank you for any replies =)
Best answer:
Answer by Pankaj Debbarma
Hi Hey.
TREATMENT OF ECZEMA (Self-Care at Home)
Removing whatever is causing the allergic reaction is the easiest and most effective treatment. This may be as simple as changing your laundry detergent or as difficult as moving to a new climate or changing jobs.
Prevent dry skin by taking warm (not hot) showers rather than baths. Use a mild soap or body cleanser. Dry yourself very carefully and apply moisturizing skin lotions all over your body. Avoid lotions with fragrances or other irritating substances.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough, or scratchy clothing.
Avoid scratching the rash. If you can’t stop yourself from scratching, cover the area with a dressing. Wear gloves at night to minimize skin damage from scratching.
Anything that causes sweating can irritate the rash. Avoid strenuous exercise during a flare.
If the allergy-causing agent cannot be removed or identified, the next step is to lessen the allergic inflammatory response.
• Apply an nonprescription steroid cream (hydrocortisone) along with anti-itching lotion (menthol/camphor, such as calamine). The cream must be applied as often as possible without skipping days until the rash is gone.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in pill form may be taken for the itching. Caution – this medication may make you too drowsy to drive a car or operate machinery safely.
• Clean the area with a hypoallergenic soap every day. Apply lubricating cream or lotion after washing.
Avoid physical and mental stress. Eating right, light activity, and adequate sleep will help you stay healthy, which can help prevent flares.
Do not expect a quick response. Eczema is easier to control than cure.
TREATMENT OF ECZEMA (Medical Treatment)
Once your health care provider is sure you have eczema, the mainstays of therapy are anti-inflammatory medication and relief from the itching.
Prescription-strength steroid cream and antihistamine medication are the usual treatments.
Diet restrictions and chemical skin-drying agents may also be offered, but their success is controversial.
For severe cases not responding to high-potency steroid cream, alternate treatments may be tried. These include coal tar, PUVA (psoralen + ultraviolet A light), and chemotherapy agents.
Take Care. Regards.
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