general information on eczema
Eczema Hands
I. Definition:
Hand dermatitis (hand eczema) is common. Hand rashes usually result from a combination of sensitive skin and irritation or an allergic reaction from materials touched. People with hand dermatitis often have dermatitis elsewhere, and frequently blood relatives have hand dermatitis.
II. Causes:
We all have a natural protective film of oil on our skin. If this film is removed by soaps, detergents, chemicals, or other substances, the skin can become dry and cracked. Further exposure to environmental irritants then causes redness and inflammation.
Some people are genetically predisposed to hand dermatitis. If you are one of these individuals, then it takes less environmental insult to cause hand dermatitis compared to someone who is not genetically pre-disposed. Hand dermatitis (hand eczema) is not contagious.
III. Treatment
Skin protection is an important part of treatment.
Protect your hands from direct contact with soaps, detergents, scouring powders, and similar irritating chemicals by wearing waterproof, cotton lined, gloves.
Wear waterproof gloves while peeling and squeezing lemons, oranges, or grapefruit, peeling potatoes, and handling tomatoes.
Wear heavy duty gloves when doing heavy work and gardening. Also wear cotton gloves when doing dry house work. Dermal cotton gloves are available from George Glove Company, Inc. by calling 800-631-4292.
If you have a dishwasher, use it regularly. If not, let a member of the family do the dishes. Do your laundry by machine, not by hand (continued).
Avoid direct contact with turpentine, paint thinner and paints. Also polishes for furniture, metal, floors, and shoes. When using them, wear heavy duty gloves because they contain irritating solvents.
When washing your hands, use lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap such as Dove or Basis. Rinse the soap off carefully and dry gently. All soaps are irritating. No soap is "gentle to your skin." Don't waste your money on special soaps or "soap free" cleansers.
Rings often worsen dermatitis by trapping irritating materials beneath them. Remove your rings when doing house work and before washing your hands.
When outdoors in cold or windy weather, wear unlined leather gloves to protect your hands from drying and chapping.
Use only the prescribed medicines and lubricants. Do not use other lotions, creams, or medications--they may irritate your skin.
Protect your hands for at least four months after your dermatitis has healed. It takes a long time for skin to recover, and unless you're careful the dermatitis will recur.
Cortisone ointments are used treat severe cases of hand dermatitis.
Mud Gloves are good for working outside if you have hand dermatitis.
Eczema, Localized
I. Definition:
Lichen simplex chronicus is a name given to a stubborn itchy rash that occurs in certain people with sensitive or irritable skin; it is also known as localized eczema.
II. Causes:
The cause is unknown. It is the result of a localized defect of the skin. This defect causes the skin to itch which results in scratching and rubbing, which leads to the rash know as lichen simplex chronicus.
Lichen simplex chronicus is not contagious and is not related to your general health.
People with lichen simplex chronicus have skin that is dry and easily irritated by soap, detergents, and rough wool clothing. Hot and cold weather often aggravates lichen simplex chronicus.
III. Treatment
Since lichen simplex chronicus patients have a constitutional skin defect, no permanent cure is possible. However, there are effective ways of controlling it.
Vaseline and cortisone compounds applied to the skin are the best medicines for controlling lichen simplex chronicus. Most cortisone ointments can be used safely for years. When large areas of the body are treated with strong cortisone preparations, periodic medical check-ups are necessary. Strong cortisones shouldn't be applied to the face, armpits, groin, or rectal area.
When using cortisone creams or lotion always remember a little goes a long way and to massage it in well.
Keep the skin lubricated. Use a bath oil or Aveeno powder in the tub. Do not take more than one bath or shower a day. Use lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water dries out the skin. When toweling dry don't rub. Blot the skin so there is still some water left on the skin. Then apply a moisturizer to all of the skin such as Vaseline, Lubriderm, or Moisturel.
Soap irritates and dries the skin, so keep it away from your lichen simplex chronicus.
Hot weather and heavy sweating tend to worsen lichen simplex chronicus. Wear cool, loose clothing, and try to stay in air conditioned buildings.
Avoid contact with wool or rough clothing. Cotton clothes, (100%) are best.
Avoid make-ups, perfumes, etc. that may cause itching or irritation.
It is possible to find a treatment routine that lets you control your lichen simplex chronicus. Usually with cortisone creams or ointments and a lot of Vaseline.
If your lichen simplex chronicus worsens and you can't control it, return to the office so we can adjust your medications, or inject the area with hydrocortisones.