Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Home treatment and remedies

About 31.6 million people in the United States — more than 10% of the population — have a form of eczema. Various natural remedies can help manage eczema, such as aloe vera gel, honey, and acupressure.

Eczema can affect people of all races and ethnicities. One estimate suggests that 10% of Black or African American people, 11% of white people, 13% of Asian American and Pacific Islander people, and 13% of Native American people may have the condition.

People often use the term “eczema” interchangeably with “atopic dermatitis,” the term for the most common type.

Eczema can cause the skin to appear chapped. It may appear red on lighter skin tones or brown, purple, or gray on darker skin tones.

Home remedies and natural treatments can soothe the dry, itchy skin that accompanies eczema.

People can use creams, natural products, and diet and lifestyle strategies to manage or prevent eczema flares, especially in the winter, when symptoms tend to be at their worst.

Natural substances such as aloe vera gel and coconut oil can moisturize dry, broken skin. They can also help reduce swelling by reducing inflammation and help prevent infection by protecting against harmful bacteria.

Natural remedies cannot cure eczema, but they can help people manage the symptoms and prevent flares. This article explores the best natural remedies for eczema.

1. Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel comes from the leaves of the aloe plant. People have used aloe vera gel for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, including to soothe eczema.

A 2017 systematic review looked at the effects of aloe vera on human health. The researchers reported that the gel:

• has antibacterial properties
• has antimicrobial properties
• can bolster the immune system
• can help heal wounds

The antibacterial and antimicrobial effects can prevent skin infections, which are more likely to occur when a person has dry, cracked skin. Aloe’s wound-healing properties may soothe broken skin and promote healing.

How to use it

People can buy aloe vera gel in health stores or online, or they can purchase an aloe vera plant and use the gel directly from its leaves.

Individuals should aim to use aloe gel products with few ingredients — some products may contain preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, and colors, which can irritate sensitive skin. Additionally, alcohol and other drying ingredients could make eczema worse.

Start with a small amount of gel to check for skin sensitivity, as aloe vera can sometimes cause burning or stinging. However, it is generally safe and effective for adults and children.

2. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for many conditions, including skin conditions.

The National Eczema Association (NEA) reports that apple cider vinegar could help with the condition. However, the organization recommends exercising caution because the vinegar’s acids can damage soft tissue.

No research has confirmed that apple cider vinegar reduces eczema symptoms, but it may help in the following two ways:

Balancing the skin’s acidity levels

Vinegar is highly acidic. The skin is naturally acidic, but people with eczema may have less acidic skin than others, which can weaken the skin’s defenses.

Applying diluted apple cider vinegar could help balance the skin’s acidity levels. Dilution is important because undiluted vinegar can cause burns.

In contrast, many soaps, detergents, and cleansers are alkaline. They can disrupt the acidity of the skin, leaving the skin vulnerable to damage. This may explain why washing with certain soaps can cause eczema flares.

Fighting bacteria

Research suggests that apple cider vinegar may fight bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Using apple cider vinegar on the skin could help prevent a person from contracting an infection in an area of broken skin.

How to use it

Always dilute apple cider vinegar before applying it to the skin — undiluted vinegar can cause chemical burns or other injuries.

People can use the vinegar in wet wraps or baths, and it is available in most supermarkets and health stores.

To use apple cider vinegar in a wet wrap:

• Mix 1 cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
• Apply the solution to cotton or gauze.
• Cover the dressing in clean cotton fabric.
• Leave it on the area for 3 hours.

To try an apple cider vinegar bath soak:

• Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath.
• Soak for 15–20 minutes.
• Rinse the body thoroughly.
• Moisturize within several minutes of leaving the bath.

3. Bleach in the bath

Although it may sound dangerous, research suggests that a mild bleach bath can improve eczema symptoms because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Bleach can kill the bacteria on the surface of the skin, including S. aureus, which causes staph infections. This may restore the microbiome of the skin’s surface.

A 2018 review concluded that bleach baths could reduce the need for topical corticosteroid or antibiotic treatments. However, other research found no benefits of bleach baths compared to regular baths.

How to use it

To make a bleach bath for eczema, use regular strength (6%) plain bleach and try the following:

• Add 1/2 cup of bleach to a full bathtub of water, or use 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water.
• Pour in the bleach while the bath is filling.
• Soak for 5–10 minutes.
• Rinse the body thoroughly with warm water.
• Gently pat the skin dry.

Use lukewarm water to prevent the skin from drying out, and moisturize immediately after drying.

If a person experiences any discomfort, irritation, or redness, they should stop taking bleach baths. People with asthma or breathing issues should also refrain from taking bleach baths because of the strong fumes.

4. Colloidal oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal, also known as Avena sativa, comes from oats that have been ground and boiled to extract their skin-healing properties.

A 2015 study found that colloidal oatmeal lotion had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which resulted in reductions in:

• skin dryness
• scaling
• roughness
• itch intensity

Additionally, a 2014 study found that a colloidal oatmeal moisturizer offered significant benefits for skin healing.

How to use it

Add powdered colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath and soak.

Choose a colloidal oatmeal product that features oats as the only ingredient, avoiding those with fragrances or additives. Pure colloidal oatmeal is available at health stores or online.

Lotions and creams that contain colloidal oatmeal are also available.

Colloidal oatmeal is generally safe for all ages, but people who have an allergy to oats should avoid it. Individuals who have a gluten allergy should also be cautious, as manufacturers often process oats with wheat.

5. Baths

Bathing provides the skin with essential moisture and is an important part of eczema treatment. When a person has a skin condition such as eczema, their skin needs extra moisture because the outer layer does not function as it should.

For some, washing often can dry out the skin and make eczema worse. This can occur when a person:

• uses water that is too hot or cold
• uses soap that irritates their skin
• does not moisturize afterward

However, people should avoid bathing too frequently — for example, most babies and children need bathing only once or twice per week.

The NEA recommends that adults:

• bathe or shower at least once per day
• use lukewarm water
• limit bathing to 10–15 minutes
• avoid scrubbing the skin
• use gentle cleansers instead of soaps
• try different types of therapeutic baths, such as those with baking soda, vinegar, or oatmeal

A long, hot shower can remove natural oils and moisture from the skin. Therefore, it is best to take shorter showers with warm — but not hot — water.

After bathing, moisturize within 3 minutes. Gently pat the skin dry with a towel and apply an oil-based moisturizer before the skin has fully dried. This can help seal in water from the shower or bath before it evaporates.

After washing and drying the hands, apply moisturizer to help prevent eczema flares.

6. Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains beneficial fatty acids that can add moisture to the skin, which can help people with dry skin and eczema.

Additionally, virgin coconut oil may protect the skin by helping to prevent inflammation and improving the health of the skin barrier.

In a 2014 study, researchers looked at the effects of applying virgin coconut oil to the skin in children. They found that using the oil for 8 weeks improved the symptoms of eczema.

How to use it

Apply cold-pressed virgin coconut oil directly to the skin after bathing and up to several times a day. Use it before bed to keep the skin moisturized overnight.

Extra-virgin coconut oil is generally solid at room temperature, but the warmth of a person’s body turns it into liquid. The oil is available in health stores and online.

However, people who are allergic to coconuts should not use coconut oil.

7. Honey

Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, and people have used it to heal wounds for centuries.

A 2016 review suggests that honey can help heal wounds and boost immune system function, which means that it can help the body fight off infections.

Another review states that honey is useful for treating a variety of skin ailments, including burns and wounds, and that it has antibacterial properties.

When people apply it directly to eczema-affected skin, honey could help prevent infections while moisturizing the skin and speeding healing.

How to use it

Try dabbing a little honey onto the area. Manuka honey products that are suitable for wound care and skin application are available in many drug stores and online.

8. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. People often use this oil to help with skin problems, including eczema.

A 2013 review states that the oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties. The oil may help relieve skin dryness and itching and help prevent infections.

How to use it

Always dilute essential oils before using them on the skin. Try mixing tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as almond or olive oil, before applying the solution. Some products include tea tree oil in a diluted form.

The oil is available in health stores or online.

9. Dietary changes

Eczema is an inflammatory condition, meaning that it causes inflamed, red, sore skin.

Certain foods can cause or reduce inflammation in the body, so making a few key dietary changes could help reduce eczema flares.

It may be helpful to eat more anti-inflammatory foods, such as:

• fish
• leafy greens
• beans and lentils
• colorful fruits
• vegetables
• turmeric and cinnamon

Common inflammatory foods include dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat. Try eliminating some of these from the diet and keep a food diary to help identify which foods may be problematic.

10. Gentle soaps and detergents

Laundry detergent can contain harsh chemicals that aggravate eczema.

Many body washes and cleansers contain detergents, which help provide a soapy lather. Detergents and other lathering agents can dry out the skin, especially in people with eczema.

Bar soaps can also be harsh on the skin because of their alkalinity.

Try using a gentle, no-lather, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid products with rough particles for scrubbing or exfoliating, as these can further irritate the skin.

Many people with eczema also find that switching to a more gentle, fragrance- or color-free laundry detergent can help reduce symptoms.

Additionally, try skipping fabric softener, which lingers on clothes and often contains fragrances and chemicals that can irritate the skin.

11. Avoiding strong heat sources

Sitting next to a fireplace or near a furnace may feel good, but it can worsen eczema symptoms. The hot-dry air can dehydrate the skin and increase the itchiness of eczema.

Use a humidifier during the dry winter months and avoid getting too close to heaters and fireplaces.

12. Skin protection in cold weather

Cold, harsh winter winds can dry out the skin and cause eczema flares.

Keep the skin covered when temperatures are low. Also, consider covering the face with a scarf if eczema occurs on the face.

13. Acupressure

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but it does not require needles, and a person can do it at home.

In a small 2012 trial of 15 adults with moderate to severe eczema, one group applied acupressure with a BB-like pellet to an acupuncture point (Large Intestine 11) on their elbow three times per week for 4 weeks.

They felt significantly less itchiness and had more skin improvement than the group that did not use acupressure.

However, further research is necessary to better determine the effectiveness of acupressure for eczema.

14. Comfortable fabrics

Polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics, as well as wool, may irritate the skin. Rough seams, zippers, and other fasteners may also be an irritant.

Clothes made with 100% cotton may be the best option for people with eczema because cotton is soft and lets the skin breathe.

Other comfortable, breathable fabrics include bamboo, which is also antibacterial, and silk.

15. Avoiding scratching

Habitually scratching irritated skin may make healing more difficult. People may not even be aware that they are scratching.

Some people with eczema in the United Kingdom have found a combination of topical treatment and habit reversal training (HRT) helpful for preventing scratching.

HRT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people become aware of when they are scratching and instead do a different action, called a competing response.

16. Stress management

Stress is the main trigger for flare-ups, according to a 2020 survey of more than 1,000 people with eczema.

The NEA recommends doing the following to help reduce stress:

• learning to say no in order to avoid being overwhelmed
• avoiding drinking alcohol
• spending time in nature
• exercising regularly
• expressing one’s feelings to other people

While many home remedies are suitable for babies and children, always consult a doctor before using them.

The following home remedies and tips may help:

• Avoid dressing a baby or child too warmly. Sweating can aggravate eczema or cause heat rash, making itching worse.
• Use mittens to prevent infants from scratching their skin.
• Apply a gentle moisturizer frequently to the affected areas, taking care not to get it in the eyes or nose.
• Do not cover a baby’s face with a scarf — infant car seat covers can help shield a baby from cold outdoor air. Check often to ensure that the baby is getting enough airflow.
• Ask a doctor before using apple cider vinegar or bleach when bathing a baby or child.
• Colloidal oatmeal baths are generally safe for children, but keep the bath water out of their eyes.
• Avoid bathing infants too frequently. Most babies and children need bathing only once or twice per week unless they are visibly soiled. Bathing less frequently may help prevent dry skin.
• Use fragrance- and alcohol-free baby wipes, although these may still contain irritating ingredients. Look for wipes that contain soothing ingredients such as aloe vera. Sensitive skin wipes may be useful.
• Use baby shampoos suitable for children with eczema. Many eczema washes can sting the eyes, so look for eczema washes that are “tear-free” and carefully avoid the child’s eyes.

Eczema does not yet have a cure, but people can often manage their symptoms with home remedies, including natural gels and oils, therapeutic baths, and dietary changes.

If eczema is severe or does not respond to home treatments, a person may want to consult a doctor. People should seek prompt medical attention if a child or baby develops a new rash.

A doctor may prescribe steroid creams or other prescription medications to treat the inflammation.

Read the article in Spanish.

Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema self-care

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Effective treatment for eczema on the legs, on the hands

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Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease of a neuro-allergic nature, characterized by a persistent course. This is a disease that can develop at almost any age – from 4 months to 76 years. The peak incidence is observed at the age of 40 years.

Eczema is a common skin condition treated by a dermatologist. According to various sources, it occurs in 5-10% of the population. Particular attention to the disease is due to the fact that the treatment of eczema is a significant difficulty: the causative factors, as well as its pathogenesis, are not fully understood. At the same time, it was found that the disease is non-contagious, it is not transmitted even through close contact. Although it occurs clinically in cats and dogs, animals also do not pose a danger.

Eczema: what is this disease?

The disease is prone to a chronic course, periods of remission are replaced by exacerbation. The Greek word “eczeo” (to boil up) quite clearly describes what eczema looks like. Currently, this term refers to a pathological process of an inflammatory nature, characterized by a polymorphism of elements with a predominance of bubbles similar to those that form when water boils.

Symptoms

The most typical in eczema is the presence of pathological foci on the arms and legs. Clinically, they are represented by the following elements:

• erythematous spots with a tendency to merge;
• nodules of bright red color with clear boundaries;
• vesicles with clear contents;
• wetting, when the bubbles open, exposing erosion with exudate. With an extensive wound surface and infection, the serous secretion becomes purulent;
• crusts;
• peeling.

A mandatory symptom, in addition to vesicles, is itching, which increases during the period of exacerbation.

Causes of occurrence

It is believed that the development of eczema is based on a pathological immune response, accompanied by inflammation. Prerequisites for its development are various exogenous, endogenous, psychogenic factors. (Often eczema occurs precisely after a strong nervous shock).

An important role is also played by heredity. It is noticed that if both parents suffer from eczema, then the probability that this disease will be detected in a child is 50%. The background for the development of eczema are also conditions accompanied by a decrease in immunity, severe lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine disorders, foci of chronic infection. Currently, the disease is considered polyetiological, in the development of which several predisposing factors take part.

The provoking factors are most often contact with such substances:

• synthetic products, paints and varnishes, household chemicals;
• metal alloys;
• products of organic chemistry, oil, oils, rubber, resin, turpentine, formalin;
• some plants, tulips, primrose.

A predisposing factor in the development of eczema is also the long-term use of certain drugs, especially antibiotics, the use of patches, exposure to pathogens, bacteria and fungi.

Types of disease

A variety of clinical manifestations and features of the development of eczema gave rise to several types of the disease:

1. True eczema is characterized by a chronic undulating course with the development of evolutionary polymorphism, when all the primary elements, erythema, papule, vesicle, are noted simultaneously. After the opening of the vesicles, microerosions, the so-called serous wells, are formed. The transition of an acute course into a chronic form is accompanied by compaction of the lesion, the appearance of crusts, peeling, itching. The main diagnostic features of this form are acute onset, symmetry of lesions, polymorphism of elements.
2. With seborrheic eczema, pathological foci appear on areas of the skin rich in sebaceous glands: the scalp, skin of the forehead, chest, back, behind the auricles.
3. Dyshidrotic eczema is distinguished by the localization of pathological foci on the palms and soles. Increasing in size, they can spread to the back surfaces of the hands, feet, transform into true eczema. Often this form of eczema is accompanied by trophic changes in the nails.
4. Microbial eczema develops at the site of chronic foci of purulent infection, around infected wounds, abrasions, areas of trophic ulcers. A mandatory sign is the asymmetric location of pathological foci, weeping and purulent crusts.
5. Occupational eczema is a skin disease caused by the action of irritants during the manufacturing process.
6. Horny eczema is limited to the palms and soles. Due to the thickened stratum corneum, a typical sign is the formation of areas of hyperkeratosis in the form of calluses in place of the vesicles.

In the photo: Chronic eczema of the hands. 1st phototherapy procedure on the Exilite apparatus. Photo problems

The procedure is carried out with the Exilite device (pictured)

The occurrence and development of eczema is very similar to allergic dermatitis, which often precedes eczema. However, unlike allergic dermatitis, eczema is characterized by increased skin sensitivity to many irritants.

Treatment of eczema

Treatment methods for eczema depend on the stage of the eczematous process.

In the acute period, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic and disinfectants, drugs with antipruritic effect are used.

Video: Treatment of eczema with the Exilite apparatus.

When the exacerbation subsides, the greatest effect can be obtained from physiotherapeutic procedures: UVA therapy, phototherapy using laser radiation (Excilite phototherapy apparatus), ozone therapy, magnetotherapy. In the prevention of eczema, the most important tasks are a protective regimen, diet, proper skin care, as well as minimizing the causes that lead to relapses.

Specific treatment of eczema on hands and feet

Treatment of eczema on the hands should be comprehensive. It includes areas such as:

• drug exposure, involving the use of external drugs or systemic drugs;
• physiotherapy procedures;
• correction of concomitant diseases, rehabilitation of foci of infection;
• elimination of provoking factors;
• carrying out activities that enhance the patient’s immunity, normalize his psycho-emotional sphere;
• adherence to a diet that excludes foods that are most often allergens.

Similar approaches are used to treat eczema on the feet.

Features of the fight against the disease in children and adults

Children’s eczema usually occurs with hereditary prerequisites, the presence of any type of allergy in the parents. Negative factors are foci of chronic infection, severe endocrine disorders, lesions of the gastrointestinal tract in pregnant women. At the same time, it was noticed that the risk of developing this pathology in a child decreases with breastfeeding.

Clinically, true, microbial and seborrheic eczema are most common in children. In this case, the manifestations of the disease are identical with rashes in adults. The difference is a pronounced exudative component.

Therapeutic tactics in children is similar to the treatment of eczema in adults. This also applies to the use of external agents containing corticosteroids. Currently, there are ointments shown to children, even infants.

Treating eczema at home

In most cases, eczema is treated at home. To do this, the specialist determines a number of necessary measures for the nature of nutrition, hygienic and restorative procedures, prescribes ointments and tablets. The fastest way to eliminate the clinical manifestations of the disease does not have to be associated with the injection of drugs. Often, the desired effect can be obtained by using an ointment or cream with a corticosteroid for several days. Lotions with antiseptic herbs or furatsilin, antihistamine preparations, and in some cases antibiotics will also be effective means. Widely prescribed for eczema and physiotherapy.

At the same time, dermatologists are skeptical about the possibility of treating eczema with folk remedies. Experts insist that before you start treating the affected skin area with salidol, celandine, solutions with soda, salt, laundry soap, you should consult a specialist. At the present stage, classical medicine has the ability to offer patients more effective and safer measures that can quickly lead to remission of the disease. This is what Delta Clinic dermatologists are guided by.

Alternative methods of treating eczema are ineffective. It is wiser to treat eczema in the department of dermatology. If the treatment of eczema is carried out in a complex way, then eczema is cured.

Reviews

If you have dermatological problems, you can contact Delta Clinic. Having entered the forum, it will become clear that our doctors are true professionals in their field, excellent diagnosticians. Treatment of eczema in the clinic is carried out using the most effective methods of exposure, both medications and physiotherapy procedures. According to the reviews of cured patients, the use of the Excilite device also gives an excellent result.

Video review of our patient:

The patient underwent 5 phototherapy procedures on the Exilite device, the dynamics is positive

Eczema Treatment Review:

“I suffered from chronic eczema of the hands for several years. I turned to Deltaclinic, where I underwent a course of phototherapy on the Exilite device, 5 procedures, droppers, I am very pleased with the stable, good result. Thanks to dermatologist Tkachenko I.L”

Vera Mikhailovna, Moscow

Benefits of treating eczema at Deltaclinic

• Getting rid of acute inflammation in the shortest possible time.
• Individual selection of effective external and general therapy.
• Individual recommendations for a hypoallergenic diet.
• A selection of special emollient creams and neutral detergents that will help protect the skin from external irritants and maintain a state of remission for a long time.
• The most effective physiotherapeutic methods to date: phototherapy using the Excimer Excilite laser, magnetotherapy, laser therapy.

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Hand eczema: causes, treatment, prevention

What is eczema?

The disease got its name from the blisters (Greek eczeo – boil) on the surface of the patient’s skin. Eczema on the hands is an acute or chronic inflammatory skin disease that manifests itself in the form of rashes with fluid vesicles or erosions, itching, burning and swelling. As a result of this reaction, the skin becomes more susceptible to various kinds of bacteria and fungi, and a secondary infection may join. Eczema can occur in both men and women.

Types of eczema on the hands

Eczema on the hands can be caused by a number of different factors – hormonal, immune, neurological, infectious. Therefore, depending on the cause, several types of the disease are distinguished, which differ in clinical manifestations, the course and location of the rashes: True eczema manifests itself as reddening of the skin with rashes of small bubbles with liquid, which soon burst, and their contents spill out. Redness of the skin does not have clear boundaries, rashes on the skin are usually located on both sides and are symmetrical. The most common localization of lesions in true eczema are the hands.

Microbial eczema develops due to infection of the skin by some bacteria, most often staphylococci and streptococci. Microbes produce toxins that serve as allergens for the body. In response, an allergic reaction develops in the form of redness, swelling and rash of bubbles. Eczema appears as asymmetric scaly patches of skin and is often localized along the edges of trophic ulcers on the legs, or non-healing wounds.

Mycotic eczema – a common type of disease, can often affect the skin of the feet, palms, legs, as well as the epidermis between the fingers. Occurs when the skin is affected by fungi of the genus Candida. The mechanism of its development is the same as that of microbial eczema. The edges of eczema are clearly defined so that the border with healthy skin is visible.

Seborrheic eczema . The reason for its development is seborrhea – a skin disease rich in sebaceous glands. In place of the sebaceous glands, nodules appear, covered with scales. The characteristic location of the lesions is the scalp, nasolabial folds, back, less often the arms.

Occupational eczema is associated with constant exposure to harmful chemicals. Most often, occupational eczema affects workers in chemical plants and people in other professions that come into contact with harmful substances. Lesions are most often localized on the hands and forearms.

Causes of eczema on the hands

The causes of some types of eczema on the hands are sometimes difficult to determine. Experts believe that the disease can be caused by a combination of a number of factors. They may be genetically inherited allergic reactions. In such patients, other diseases of an allergic nature are often detected – allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma. An important role can be played by emotional stress, disruption of the nervous system, and even exposure to sunlight.

Contact or occupational eczema on the hands develops from constant contact with chemicals. They can be detergents, disinfectants, medicines. Persons exposed to harmful substances at work often have to change jobs in order to fully recover.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight infectious causes of eczema – bacterial and fungal infections. The most common causative agents of microbial eczema are streptococci and staphylococci. Eczema caused by an infection most often develops on damaged areas of the skin with wounds, cuts, ulcers.

Mycotic eczema begins with fungal infection in skin cracks or cuts. Over time, fungi multiply and begin to release toxic substances. The body begins to fight the infection, so an allergy to a fungal infection develops, which manifests itself in the form of eczema. The most common cause of infection is poor personal hygiene.

The cause of eczema on the hands can be a number of very different factors – hormonal, immune, neurological. Photo: Globallookpress

Stages of eczema on the hands

Developing, the disease passes through several stages:

1. Erythematous stage – includes redness of the skin and itching.
2. The papulovesicular or vesicular stage appears as a rash of vesicles with fluid.
3. Weeping eczema. During this stage, the bubbles burst, in their place, wounds are formed that secrete fluid.
4. Cortical or dry eczema. At this stage, the wounds are covered with dry crusts of a grayish-yellow hue. In this case, lesions may appear in other parts of the body.

Treatment of eczema on the hands

In the treatment of eczema on the hands, hygiene plays an important role, as well as the use of drugs that allow you to get rid of the symptoms of the disease. Usually, complex treatment is prescribed, which is aimed at eliminating the cause of the exacerbation. If symptoms of eczema appear in the form of redness, vesicles, itching, burning of the skin, you should consult a dermatologist. The specialist will help to correctly identify the nature of the disease and choose an individual course of treatment.

Medical treatment for eczema includes drugs to reduce inflammation, anti-allergics, sedatives to relieve itching, and antibacterials to fight infection. Specialists identify several groups of drugs that are recommended for eczema on the hands:

• ointments containing corticosteroids can reduce inflammation;
• antibacterial and antimycotic creams and ointments effectively fight infection;
• sedatives reduce itching;
• antihistamines are aimed at removing the allergic component.

In the treatment of the disease, the correct diet is of great importance, the exclusion of foods that can cause allergic reactions. With large foci of eczema, bathing and showering is contraindicated. Patients should also avoid contact with household chemicals.

You can use a cream or ointment that contains corticosteroids, antibiotics, and antifungals. Such a drug has a complex effect, which helps to relieve the symptoms of inflammation and get rid of the infection.

What to do if eczema does not go away

If eczema does not go away for a long time, the disease may have become chronic, or the factors that led to the development of the disease (for example, allergens, chemicals, etc.) have not been eliminated. In any case, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will identify the causes and, most likely, correct the treatment.

Traditional remedies for eczema on the hands

In addition to drug therapy, traditional medicines can be used. They have an additional anti-inflammatory and soothing effect. Of these, the most effective:

• baths and lotions with 0. 01% potassium permanganate solution, used once a day for 4-7 days;
• lotion with 2% boric acid solution;
• lotion with 2% silver nitrate solution.

Prevention of eczema on the hands

The basis for the prevention of eczema is personal hygiene, hand skin care, as well as timely contacting a specialist when the first symptoms of the disease appear. Equally important:

• do not trigger chronic diseases;
• it is advisable not to wear clothes made of synthetic fabrics;
• do not wear tight-fitting and rubbing clothing and footwear;
• when cleaning or washing dishes with chemicals, wear rubber gloves

Diet for eczema on hands

When eczema should be completely excluded from the diet:

• spicy dishes and smoked meats;
• alcoholic beverages;
• salty;
• coffee.

During an exacerbation of eczema, it is better to stick to a diet consisting of cereals (oatmeal, buckwheat), fermented milk products (kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt), vegetable soups or soups with low-fat meat broth.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed the development of eczema, its contagiousness and the possibility of transmission from parents to children, as well as possible complications and self-treatment, taking dietary supplements, homeopathy and traditional medicine with dermatologist Kristina Shevaldova.

Is eczema contagious, can parents pass it on to their child?

Eczema is an acute or chronic inflammatory recurrent (periodically aggravated) neuroallergic skin disease caused by various external or internal factors. Clinically, eczema is manifested by rashes (spots, nodules, vesicles, crusts, scales) and itching of varying severity.

From the definition, it becomes clear that eczema is not an infectious disease, therefore, it is not contagious, but develops due to many factors: genetic predisposition, hypersensitivity to various allergens, exposure to household, professional, environmental and other factors. The role of the nervous system (especially the central one), emotional stresses is also great.

Eczema can be passed from parents to children. If one of the parents has eczema, then the probability of the child’s illness is 40%. If both parents are sick with eczema – 50 – 60%. Stress, neurological diseases, trophic disorders can trigger the onset of the disease in genetically predisposed individuals.

What are the complications of eczema?

The most common complication of eczema is the addition of a secondary infection (most often staphylococci and streptococci), which is manifested by the appearance of pustules and purulent crusts.

Eczema does not threaten disability and death, but worsens the patient’s quality of life. Itching of varying severity can disrupt sleep, contribute to the development of neurological disorders, interfere with everyday life, work – especially if it is associated with contact with irritating chemicals. Due to rashes, many patients are embarrassed to wear revealing clothing, fearing increased attention from others.

What symptoms should I see a doctor for?

The course of eczema is divided into acute (less than 2 months), subacute (up to 6 months) and chronic (indefinitely).