The Origin of Embarrassing Hand Eczema

Hand Eczema

It is the dead of winter and your hands are dry and chapped. It looks like you washed them with a harsh scrub brush. You have tried hand lotions to no avail. The skin on your hands is peeling, broken, and may even bleed. These are symptoms of hand eczema. This condition can be an embarrassing affliction. Therefore, it is imperative to find the cause.

The condition can arise from a number of possibilities. Something you come in contact with might be causing an irritation. This inflammation of your skin can build up over time and exposure causing full blown flare-ups. Your hands may be in constant contact with skin irritants. The skin irritants may be of no problem to some while others are more sensitive.

This sensitivity is a precursor to the condition. Examine if a skin irritant could be the root of your affliction. Do you work with harsh chemicals in your job? Do you clean with potent cleaning supplies? Do you wear safety gear when working with these chemicals?

Many sufferers find even soap to be a skin irritant. Perhaps they excessively wash their hands on the job. Constant washing zaps the moisture out of your hands, especially if you use an abrasive soap. Medical care professionals need to have thoroughly clean hands, but can use soaps that are gentler and still provide the same sanitary benefits.

Another cause can be an allergy. Do you wear latex gloves all day long? Perhaps you have an allergy to latex that is surfacing as hand eczema. An allergen that comes in contact with your hand may be to blame for your condition.

Hand eczema is not contagious regardless of whether it was caused by a skin irritant or allergy. It is vital to pinpoint the origin of the problem. It is a good idea to see your Dermatologist for a professional diagnosis.

Your Dermatologist can also test a sample of your affected skin area to help determine the cause of the condition. They can prescribe ointments, creams, and medicine to help alleviate symptoms.

Call the Dermatologist today so you can begin to clear up the embarrassing effects of the condition as soon as possible.