Eczema Treatment

Hand eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, chapped skin accompanied by burning sensations and itchy blisters. Since it often resembles dry skin, Hand eczema is often confused for just dry skin.

Those who are at risk for hand eczema include healthcare professionals, food industry handlers, construction workers, agricultural and industrial workers, salon professionals, and florists.

Anyone can have hand eczema however, you are more likely to be diagnosed if:

• You have a history of chronic dermatitis such as eczema
• Sensitivity when dealing with chemicals or other irritants that causes you to itch

There can be multiple causes for hand eczema however, there are one or more diagnoses present that can contribute to the hand eczema such as:

Irritant Contact Dermatitis- repeated exposure to irritants found in:

• Fragrances found in perfume, colognes, laundry detergents and softeners, lotions, moisturizers, and body washes
• Frequent hand washing which can break down the natural skin’s protective barrier
• Frequent exposure to chemicals from work

Eczema Symptoms include:

• Dry, web spaced fingertips
• Dry and chapped skin where areas are itchy, red and swollen
• Affected skin area can be sensitive to touch and burns when coming in contact with irritants

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

• Exposure to allergenic agents that causes small blisters to break out. Allergies include:
• Food or food additives
• Fragrances
• Preservatives
• Metals such as Nickel
• Fabric or food dyes

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Symptoms include:

• Allergic reactions that cause small blisters after being exposed either immediately or delayed
• Forming of scales, crusts, and cracks, prolonged exposure can cause the skin to become darker and feels thick and leathery
• Eczema all over hand and fingers but frequently found on the inside of the hands and fingertips

Atopic Dermatitis– other parts of the body other than the hand can be affected.

Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms include:

• Intense irritation
• Sudden skin lesions
• Happens chronically
• Skin thickens

In order to determine if the condition is hand eczema, at the Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Farber has more than 30 years of experience to effectively diagnose and treat the disease. Dr. Farber can easily perform either a simple patch test (a method where a patch is placed on the back to determine if a specific substance is causing an allergic reaction) or a biopsy (a specimen is surgically removed and sent to a pathology lab) to determine what is the proper diagnosis and cause for hand eczema. Once the cause is known, Dr. Farber can effectively treat the condition by prescribing topical steroid creams to help calm down the inflammation and irritation. However, if the condition is not responding to the treatment, there are numerous treatment options here at Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery. Additional treatment options include oral prescriptions and phototherapy (exposing the skin to ultraviolet light for therapeutic reasons). Dr. Farber is up to date on the newest techniques and medications for treating hand eczema.

If you are having similar symptoms like the ones described above, gives us a call today and book your appointment here at the Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery.