Eczema of the Hands and Feet

Eczema of the hands and feet, even though not life threatening, can be a devastating condition. Frequently, those who suffer from it will experience low self esteem and a high degree of self consciousness. Managing eczema of the feet and hands goes beyond merely applying a cream or ointment prescribed by your doctor. There are lots of changes to your lifestyle that have to be made if you've been diagnosed with this problem. If you don't make the necessary changes, not only will your problem not get better, it can actually get worse.

Stress seems to be the root of so many ailments these days that it's no surprise that eczema of the feet and hands is also a result of a stressful life. Learning to deal with stress is a critical step in eczema treatment. Instead of concentrating on finding a cure, try to root out the circumstances in your life that are causing you stress. When you figure out how to effectively manage your stress then you may be surprised to find that your skin problems are much improved.

Another cause of eczema of the feet and hands can be environmental issues. There's a real focus these days on products that make our world cleaner or more fragrant. But these kinds of cleaners and deodorizers can actually lead to eczema of the feet and hands in those who have sensitive skin. These kinds of products should be avoided completely if you suffer from this type of eczema.

Aftershave, perfume, scented creams and lotions, cleansers, and solvents, among other products, need to be kept out of your home. If it's necessary to use any of these items, put on some vinyl gloves when you use them. It might seem somehow wrong to have to eliminate all these products that have always been considered essential and beneficial. But the fact is that you need to get rid of any and all potential irritants from your environment.

Wearing gloves is also very important when you suffer from eczema of the feet and hands. Put on a pair of cotton gloves inside latex gloves when doing household tasks in which your hands are in water a lot. It might seem strange to wear gloves all the time, especially if you've never used them at all, but you really need to get used to it.

Another thing you need to wear all the time is socks. This will probably be an easier assignment than wearing gloves. Both socks and gloves help to absorb perspiration and protect your hands and feet from the cold, which is also a potential irritant for those who experience eczema of the feet and hands.

And most important of all is having the support of your loved ones when dealing with eczema of the feet and hands. This condition is not only physical, it also impacts you psychologically. You need caring, understanding people surrounding you.

Hand eczema at best is an irritating skin condition, and at its worst it can be disfiguring. Learning the symptoms of hand eczema early can help you to find the best treatment. If you are frequently engaged in activities that involve the immersion of your hands in water then there is an elevated risk that you might contract hand eczema. It's a very common skin condition and it can be treated, although it requires a lot of effort. You'll need to visit your doctor to get a proper diagnosis, and you will most likely be given a prescription. But there's lots you can do in the way of lifestyle changes to prevent a future outbreak of the problem.

The first symptoms of hand eczema are dry skin redness. As the condition progresses, you will see your skin becoming scaly. At its worst you will the condition will form a crust on the affected areas.

Hand eczema typically results from activities that involve constantly wetting and drying your hands. For example, if you have a baby you will most probably wash and dry your hands innumerable times in a day as you mix up formula, change diapers, bathe your baby and all sorts of clean-up jobs. Professions that could cause hand eczema include things like working in a hair salon and tending bar.

As soon as you become aware of the symptoms of hand eczema there are some measures you should take to keep the condition from getting worse and keep skin irritation to a minimum.

* Wear gloves when doing housework or chores that involve water. However, rubber or latex gloves will cause your hands to sweat and worsen the condition. To overcome this problem wear a pair of cotton gloves inside the protective gloves.

* Avoid using hot water, even if you're using gloves to protect your hands.

* Avoid soap, shampoo, detergent, and household cleansers that are scented or colored.

* Gently pat your hands dry rather than rubbing.

* Moisturize your hands after washing to keep the skin protected. Try using a lotion that is silicon or petroleum based to prevent the eczema from spreading.