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Coping Strategies For Stress-Related Eczema On Hands: An Overview

Key Highlights:

Introduction

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.

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Understanding Stress-Related Eczema on Hands

Let’s break down what stress-related hand eczema is, why it happens, and what signs to look out for.

Overview of stress-related eczema on hands

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!

Causes

The true cause of this condition isn’t known yet. It’s often seen in folks with a history of allergies or atopic dermatitis.

Symptoms

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.

OverviewCausesSymptoms
Type of skin inflammationHistory of atopic dermatitisItchy and red rashes
Mostly hits the handsExposure to certain metalsSmall fluid-filled blisters
 Seasonal allergiesDry 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

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Now onto a type of hand eczema that’s closely linked with stress – dyshidrotic eczema.

Definition and Conditions

Dyshidrotic eczema, or pompholyx, shows up as small, super itchy blisters on the palms and sides of fingers, or sometimes the soles of feet.

Identifying Triggers

Stress is a major cause of this type. Being around certain metals, having atopic dermatitis, or reacting to irritants may also increase your risk.

Connection with Stress

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)

Reasons Why Your Eczema Might Be Flaring Up

There’s more to eczema flare-ups than just stress. Here are a few triggers you should know about.

1. Dry Skin

Scratching dry, itchy skin can make your eczema worse. Keeping your skin soft and hydrated can keep this in check.

2. Stress and Anxiety

Did you know stress and worry can lead to skin swelling and eczema flares? Managing your stress can help you control your eczema.

3. Irritants

Everyday items like soap and detergents might spark off eczema. Try using products marked ‘hypoallergenic’ and see if they help.

4. Weather

Changing or extreme weather can make eczema worse. Protecting your skin with the right clothes and treatments can offer relief.

5. Hormonal Changes

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)

Prevention Measures for Stress-Related Eczema

Lucky for us, there are things we can do to tame this beast.

1. Skin Care Regimen

If you regularly moisturize and stay away from rough soaps, you’ll see big benefits.

2. Protecting Your Skin from Irritants

Wearing gloves when touching irritants or in chilly weather can give added protection. Barrier creams can help too!

3. Stress Management Techniques

Try some chill-out methods like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness. These can help control eczema.

4. Identifying and Avoiding Triggers

Knowing what kicks off your eczema and steering clear of those triggers can stop flare-ups from happening.

Treatment Options

If prevention doesn’t cut it, we also have ways to handle the symptoms of hand eczema.

1. Over-the-Counter Therapies

Helpful products are available without a doctor’s prescription.

2. Prescriptions

Your doctor may prescribe certain medicines for more serious cases.

3. Steroid Medications

These prescription-based creams and ointments reduce swelling and clear blisters.

4. Anti-Itch Medications

Anti-itch creams given by your doctor are useful if itching disturbs sleep.

5. mmunomodulators

This medicine suppresses the immune system to lower swelling and itchiness.

6. Anti-Infection Medications

If your hand eczema gets infected, your doctor might suggest oral or topical antibiotics.

Alternative Treatments

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.

When to Contact a Doctor

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

Conclusion

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!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you get rid of stress eczema on your hands?

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.

Can stress cause eczema on the hands?

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.

What does stress eczema look like?

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.

Why am I suddenly getting eczema on my hands?

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!

References:

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Disclaimer: The information provided here is for  educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Hygiene Hypothesis: Being Too Clean Can Cause Asthma!

The hygiene hypothesis is important. Parents everywhere are on a constant mission to ensure that their children are raised in the safest environment they can possibly think of. This not-so-covert mission includes an all-out assault on germs and the complete fortification of their houses against anything that could cause their baby to sneeze, cough or even rub their little noses.Cleanliness is the best way to raise your child, isn’t it? At least, that is what the natural instinct of most parents keeps telling them. It tells them to take extra care to make sure there’s no dirt in the house, no pets around the kids and sanitizer available at arm’s reach at all times.Well, what if we told you that this whole thought process could be completely wrong and parents are better off not going into complete Obsessive Cleanliness mode!There is a well researched scientific theory called the ‘Hygiene Hypothesis’ that is going to put everything you ever knew about cleanliness in doubt. The theory essentially states that exposure to good and bad germs at a young age helps the human immune system strengthen itself to resist more severe ailments later in life.Some of the medical conditions where this has been found to have an impact include allergies, asthma, and eczema. One of the studies on the subject asserted that children raised in rural areas, with more exposure to uncontrolled germs and microbes, have a lesser chance of developing asthma or eczema. Other studies found that the inhalation of normal dust and relatively harmless germs and microbes helps strengthen the immune system against a variety of similar diseases.It is important to remember that the studies have not been proven to be conclusive. One can only draw insights from this hypothesis and parents will surely want to do so in order to find out the level of hygiene, that is fine for their children. It’s probably impossible to raise a child in a completely sterile environment. Urban lifestyle will definitely ensure that the child is exposed to a good amount of germs and microbes.However, the ‘Hygiene Hypothesis’ helps parents make choices about certain simple problems, for example, whether their child can stay with the dog for too long? The answer to this is a resounding yes according to the hypothesis.The crux of the matter is that one can never be too careful as a parent, but neither should one go overboard with sanitation measures. Let’s hope that all you mothers and fathers will find that perfect balance and let your child enjoy happy and healthy infancy.Also Read: How To Clean Belly Button: Research-Based Guide for Proper HygieneDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

All About Eczema – Symptoms, Causes & Cure

Eczema is an extremely common inflammatory condition of the skin. It may start at any age but is most common in children, affecting 1 in every 5 children at some stage.

‘Eczema’ is a term that comes from the Greek word ‘to boil’ and is used to describe red, dry, itchy skin which can sometimes become weeping, blistered, crusted, scaling and thick. The words eczema and dermatitis mean the same thing and thus atopic eczema is the same as atopic dermatitis.

Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema can affect any part of the skin, including the face but the areas that are most commonly affected are the joints at the elbows and knees as well as the wrists and neck. Other common appearances of atopic eczema include coin-sized areas of inflammation on the limbs and numerous small bumps that coincide with the hair follicles.

Affected skin is usually red and dry and scratch marks (accompanied by bleeding) are common. When the eczema is very active, it may become moist and weepy (during a ‘flare-up’) and small water blisters may develop, especially on the hands and feet. In areas that are repeatedly scratched, the skin may thicken (a process known as lichenification) and this may cause the skin to itch more. Sometimes affected areas of the skin may become darker or lighter in colour.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. It’s a common condition that isn’t contagious. Symptoms of eczema can flare up if you contact an irritant or an allergen. There are treatments available to help you manage symptoms, but there isn’t a cure.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Causes of Eczema

The exact causes of atopic eczema are unknown but it seems to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

a) Genetic Factors

Research suggests that atopic eczema is largely an inherited condition. If one parent has eczema, there might be a 60% chance that the child will develop the condition. If both parents have eczema, the chances of inheriting the condition leap to 80%.

b) Environmental Factors

If a person is genetically susceptible to developing eczema, then they are likely to develop the condition when exposed to certain allergens in the environment. These can include:

Food allergens  such as eggs, milk, nuts, soya, fish and wheat may also trigger the development of eczema.

Also Read: Baking Soda Bath: Research-Based Benefits and How to Do It Properly

Treating Eczema

These should be applied several times every day to help the outer layer of skin function better as a barrier to the environment. The drier skin, the more frequently one should apply a moisturizer. You can also try aloe vera for the skin to keep it hydrated and moisturized.

If eczema becomes wet, weepy and crusted, it may be infected and a course of antibiotics may be needed. Antiseptics, when applied to the skin alone or as part of a moisturizing preparation, can be helpful in stopping the growth of bugs.

Doctors may recommend antihistamine tablets, which in some patients can be helpful. Those antihistamines that make people sleepy (such as chlorphenamine and hydroxyzine) might be the most useful and are generally given at night. They have no effect on the inflammation of eczema and are helpful largely as a result of their sedating effects, reducing sleep disruption.

Some people with chronic eczema benefit from ultraviolet light treatment, which is usually given in a specialist hospital department and supervised by a dermatologist. This is rarely used for children.

People with eczema will benefit from a psychological approach to their condition in addition to the use of creams, ointments, etc. With constant care, eczema does not have to be an impediment to living a happy, normal life.

Ever wondered what the deal with Liposuction is? Read on to find out.

Also Read: Coping Strategies For Stress-Related Eczema On Hands: An Overview

Disclaimer:  The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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