How to Treat Eczema on Hands

October 16, 2017

In a previous blog post, we discussed how to treat eczema on feet. But this skin condition doesn’t only impact one part of the body. The National Eczema Association confirms that hand dermatitis affects nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population. This form of eczema comes about as a result of both genetics and irritating substances. Folks who work in cleaning, catering, hairdressing, healthcare, and mechanical jobs tend to deal with hand eczema the most. Though the condition isn’t contagious, it definitely can bring down a person’s self-esteem and their ability to perform day-to-day tasks. Keep reading to learn more about hand eczema and how you can stay in control of it.

Symptoms of Hand Eczema

Depending on your situation, you may experience any combination of the following:

• Redness
• Itching
• Pain
• Dryness
• Cracks
• Blisters

How to Treat Hand Eczema

If your child struggles with eczema on their hands, it’s best to first look at which substances trigger flare-ups. Remember that being aware of what causes the symptoms can help guard their skin against further irritation and discomfort. It doesn’t hurt, either, to have your child’s dermatologist do a “patch test” to see which allergens may be the culprit. A skin care expert can also pinpoint behaviors or practices that may be contributing to eczema. That said, here are some tips for controlling your child’s eczema, as recommended by the NEA:

1. Have them wash their hands with lukewarm (not hot) water and fragrance-free cleanser.
2. Gently blot their hands dry and apply a moisturizer immediately after they do so.
3. Steer clear of waterless, antibacterial cleansers. Many of these contain ingredients such as alcohol and solvents that are very hard on hands, especially during flare-ups.
4. If your child helps with chores, be sure to keep plenty of cotton gloves handy around the house. When the gloves become dirty, wash them using fragrance-free, dye-free detergent.
5. Take some extra precautions when your child shampoos his or her hair. More specifically, have them wear waterproof, protective vinyl gloves with cotton liners.
6. Once your child’s eczema clears, their dermatologist may want to use petroleum jelly on their hands overnight with gloves. By using the same gloves over and over, the gloves continue to absorb the product and lock in moisture.

How to Help Your Child Control Hand Eczema at School

Children with the condition often run into trouble while at school. But just because they’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive with their eczema. Here are some things they can try during the day:

• Make sure they avoid allergens or irritating substances in products they use at school. This could range from industrial hand cleaners to antibacterial cleansers. Whatever the case, their condition may worsen due to ingredients such as solvents and alcohol.
• Protect their hands with neoprene gloves and cotton glove liners. If they aren’t disposable, regularly wash them to avoid further irritation.
• Have them always carry their own hand cleanser, moisturizer, and medication.
• Keep their clothes, supplies, and desk clean and free of residue from irritating substances.
• Treat wounds on their hands and bandage them in order to avoid irritation from allergens. Even if wounds are minor, don’t hesitate to do this.

Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Hand Eczema

• Opt for a thick cream or ointment. Believe it or not the more water there is in a moisturizer, the more likely it is to worsen their symptoms. When the water in moisturizers evaporates, it can dry out the skin.
• Some children have more success with fragrance-free products. With that in mind, petroleum jelly is an affordable product that works.
• Don’t just have your child try one product and stick with it. Using trial and error can help you identify the best moisturizer.

Eczema Clothing From Soothems

TEWLTect, the smart fabric in Soothems garments, can be used as an occlusive barrier, wet or dry, and with or without creams and lotions. At Soothems, we’re constantly designing products for children suffering from sensitive skin conditions such as eczema. When it comes to therapeutic clothing for eczema, Soothems has you and your child covered. From eczema suits to eczema sleeves and everything in between, our garments promote a relaxing, calming effect.  

Contact us today with any other questions you may have regarding hand eczema.

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