Allergic or irritant eczema on the palms of the hands
Eczema on the palms of the hands occurs as a reaction of the skin to irritation. It is most often occupational eczema, which occurs when the skin is exposed to irritants for a long time, called irritant eczema. Less often, eczema on the palms of the hands occurs allergic contact eczema with allergy to a specific allergen.
Allergic or irritant eczema on the palms of the hands
There is a difference between allergic and irritant eczema on the palms? Allergy means a congenital disorder - atopy - in which the body overreacts to an allergen. Most of the time it is one or two allergens, rarely five or more. In irritation (irritation), it is the resultant hypersensitivity of the skin. The irritation only occurs at the point of contact with the irritant. There are thousands of substances to which the skin can react with irritation.
The manifestations of allergic and irritant eczema on the palms are interchangeable, the treatment and prevention are the same. Allergy, unlike hypersensitivity, can be determined by a skin test.
Manifestations of eczema on the palms of the hands
In the first stage of irritation, eczema on the palms of the hands is manifested by dry and peeling skin. In these early stages, it is sufficient to support the skin with good hydration and the use of gloves or a barrier cream Dermaguard.
In the second stage of irritation, the skin on the palms of the hands begins to turn red and itch. In this case, the irritation can still be soothed with a lukewarm compress or a bath made from a decoction of burdock, strongly diluted hypermanganese, oatmeal decoction or black tea. After the bath, the skin should be lubricated with a cream with a moisturizing component. Protect your hands with barrier cream or use gloves before you start working.
Non-infectious inflammation will occur at the third degree of irritation. Eczema appears on the palms of the hands. Either in the form of crusts (callous-like patches of hard skin) which painfully burst deeply and may bleed. Or pimples and blisters appear that contain fluid. They itch badly, burst and the skin peels off in shreds, cracking and becoming wet.
Here, home remedies are usually no longer sufficient. Softening and healing ointments, usually zinc or with ichthyol, called black ointment, must be obtained from a pharmacy for crusts. For wet areas, use zinc oil or again ichthyol ointment. Do not use greasy creams. Wet areas should be kept clean, e.g. use white cotton gloves. If the eczema does not subside or symptoms such as abdominal pain and temperature appear, it is appropriate to see a skin doctor.
Once cured, it is necessary to use barrier cream Dermaguard or gloves, otherwise the problem will recur.
