Coping Strategies For Stress-Related Eczema On Hands: An Overview
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Have you ever felt stressed and found your hands breaking into an itchy rash? That’s what we are talking about today – stress-related eczema on hands. Stress can lead our hands to become an itchy battlefield. We’ll clear up why and how this happens and tips for keeping it under check.
Did you know?
Let’s break down what stress-related hand eczema is, why it happens, and what signs to look out for.
With stress-related eczema, your skin becomes red, swollen, and itchy. Mainly your hands are the victim. It can make simple tasks a real chore!
The true cause of this condition isn’t known yet. It’s often seen in folks with a history of allergies or atopic dermatitis.
An itchy, red rash on the hand is the main sign. You might also have fluid-filled tiny blisters, dry and cracking skin, and skin cracks that hurt.
Here’s a short table to sum it all up.
| Overview | Causes | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Type of skin inflammation | History of atopic dermatitis | Itchy and red rashes |
| Mostly hits the hands | Exposure to certain metals | Small fluid-filled blisters |
| Seasonal allergies | Dry and cracked skin | |
| Pain due to skin cracks |
Usually stress-related eczema manifests as redness and itchiness on the skin, but if you are under a lot of emotional or physical stress, you may be at a greater risk of dyshidrotic eczema (a severe form of eczema) that causes itchy fluid-filled blisters on the palms of the hands. Consulting a physician is very crucial at this stage.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Now onto a type of hand eczema that’s closely linked with stress – dyshidrotic eczema.
Dyshidrotic eczema, or pompholyx, shows up as small, super itchy blisters on the palms and sides of fingers, or sometimes the soles of feet.
Stress is a major cause of this type. Being around certain metals, having atopic dermatitis, or reacting to irritants may also increase your risk.
High-stress levels can cause your body to release lots of cortisol, a stress hormone. This can upset your immune system and trigger skin swelling or dyshidrotic eczema.
I have seen patient using steroid creams on eczema without consulting a doctor. Self medication with steroids without diagnosis and doctor’s prescription may worsen the skin lesions.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
There’s more to eczema flare-ups than just stress. Here are a few triggers you should know about.
Scratching dry, itchy skin can make your eczema worse. Keeping your skin soft and hydrated can keep this in check.
Did you know stress and worry can lead to skin swelling and eczema flares? Managing your stress can help you control your eczema.
Everyday items like soap and detergents might spark off eczema. Try using products marked ‘hypoallergenic’ and see if they help.
Changing or extreme weather can make eczema worse. Protecting your skin with the right clothes and treatments can offer relief.
Changes in hormones, like during periods, pregnancies, or menopause, can also lead to eczema flares.
When released in large amounts (for instance, when enduring ongoing, chronic stress), cortisol suppresses the immune system and increases inflammation throughout the body. This increase in inflammation extends to the skin worsening eczema symptoms
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Lucky for us, there are things we can do to tame this beast.
If you regularly moisturize and stay away from rough soaps, you’ll see big benefits.
Wearing gloves when touching irritants or in chilly weather can give added protection. Barrier creams can help too!
Try some chill-out methods like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness. These can help control eczema.
Knowing what kicks off your eczema and steering clear of those triggers can stop flare-ups from happening.
If prevention doesn’t cut it, we also have ways to handle the symptoms of hand eczema.
Helpful products are available without a doctor’s prescription.
Your doctor may prescribe certain medicines for more serious cases.
These prescription-based creams and ointments reduce swelling and clear blisters.
Anti-itch creams given by your doctor are useful if itching disturbs sleep.
This medicine suppresses the immune system to lower swelling and itchiness.
If your hand eczema gets infected, your doctor might suggest oral or topical antibiotics.
Natural cures and therapies can also do wonders for hand eczema.
Try using coconut oil, aloe vera, honey, oatmeal, or chamomile. They all have skin-soothing benefits.
Sometimes home remedies and over-the-counter products can’t control your hand eczema. In such cases, professional help is a must. Reach out to a doctor if:
Also Read: Tingling in Hands: Exploring Causes and Potential Remedies
Keeping stress-related hand eczema in check means dealing with both – skin symptoms and stress. A mix of good skincare, staying away from triggers, and stress-busting tricks will help. But, if things don’t improve, get a doctor to check you out. Doing the right thing at the right time can minimize the effect of hand eczema on your life.
Remember, you’re not alone. With each passing day, we’re learning more and getting better at handling eczema. So, hang in there. Take it one day at a time!
To control or get rid of hand eczema, avoid triggers, follow a strict skincare routine, and manage stress. If it’s severe, a doctor might need to prescribe medication.
Yes, stress is a big player in causing eczema on the hands. The hormones released during stressful times can lead to skin swelling and trigger an eczema outbreak.
Stress eczema shows up as red, itchy rashes on hands. Sometimes, the skin might also form small blisters, crack, and dry, which can be painful.
Several things could trigger a sudden eczema outburst. Coming into contact with certain irritants, abrupt weather changes, and hormonal ups and downs are some of them. And don’t forget the biggie – stress!
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