Eczema on the hands - why does it appear and how to treat it? An allergic reaction to the action of irritating factors - eczema on the hands: photos, the initial stage of the disease and treatment options How to remove eczema on the hands

Eczema on the hands is a long-term inflammatory process of the upper layers of the skin, inflammation affects the epidermis and dermis (deep layers of the skin). The causes of occurrence are manifold. It often occurs in winter due to poor air humidity and almost never occurs in summer.

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Causes of appearance and treatment

The reasons why it appears have an immune or psychosomatic background. In rare cases, this is a reaction to some external irritation, then more often it is a relapse.

And the real reasons: problems with the endocrine system, digestion. But the most important thing is failures in the nervous system, problems in the regulation of nervous activity.

The disease can appear due to allergens: food, chemical, air, and also medicinal. The hereditary factor, the emotional state are important.

The reasons why eczema appears can be different:

• consequences of allergies;
• viruses - herpes;
• fungal diseases;
• many microbes;
• seborrhea;
• prolonged contact with things that damage the skin.

When treating it, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the disease. It is necessary to protect the skin that is damaged from local irritants. It is advisable to eat food of a dairy and vegetable nature.

Particular importance should be given to medical treatment. Eczema is treated quite successfully with traditional medicine.

It is suitable for different stages of the disease. However, the percentage of curability is more likely when complex treatment is used along with the usual medical prescriptions.

At the beginning of treatment, local remedies are used. For example, ointments. However, if this is ineffective, then complex therapy is prescribed.

What does this pathology look like?

The course of eczema can be divided into two types: acute and chronic. It can occur at any age, and its characteristics depend on the stage and severity of the inflammatory process.

There are such variants of eczema: microbial, true, professional. The real one is more common. And various pathological manifestations do not appear immediately.

Typical manifestations of eczema on the hands are:

• red skin, accompanied by edema;
• a large number of bubbles of different sizes, they contain serous fluid;
• with repeated infection - pustules;
• erosion releasing exudate;
• wounds increase and pathological formations appear;
• crusts are present;
• there is itching, severe burning;
• lesions become denser, deeper, cracks appear.

Several options for the location of eczema on the skin of the hands:

• fingers;
• brushes;
• damage to the area between the fingers.

The most effective creams and ointments

In the treatment of eczema, ointments give a good result. Their choice is large, you will need one that will not only get rid of the manifestations, but will lead to a long remission.

The doctor must choose the drug.

After all, it determines the form, stage of the disease, takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

There are two main groups: hormonal and non-hormonal ointments. The hormonal version contains steroid hormones of synthetic origin.

These ointments help control the inflammatory process, relieve external symptoms. For example, from itching. However, a significant drawback of hormonal ointments is the rapid adaptation of the body. And over time, the therapeutic effect disappears.

In addition, there are a large number of contraindications. Therefore, they are prescribed for a short course of treatment.

Hormonal ointments are classified depending on the strength of their effect on the body. Weak drugs are often given to children or pregnant or lactating women.

They can be used on the neck and face. For the face, an ointment with a minimum of side effects should be used, these include Prednisolone ointment and Lokoid cream.

Ointments moderately affecting - group 2. They are used in the absence of results in the case of using low-impact means. For example, Cynacort. Ointments of strong action are prescribed for prolonged illness.

They are suitable for acute eczema, severe pain. Among the popular drugs of this group are Advantan, Sinalar.

If the course of treatment did not give results, then the drugs of the last group are prescribed. These are ointments of the highest action. They penetrate as deeply as possible into the layers of the epidermis and give a powerful therapeutic effect.

The disadvantage of them is a significant number of side effects. Doctors prescribe this type of hormonal ointment in exceptional cases, carefully weighing all sorts of risks.

Non-hormonal drugs are used in situations where eczema is relatively calm. Usually these are the initial stages of the disease. Hormonal ointments are much more effective.

However, the plus of non-hormonal agents is their gentle effect on the skin, the absence of a large number of side effects. These ointments include salicylic ointment and zinc ointment. They reduce inflammation, help to overcome itchy skin.

Dry type of eczema - is it possible to forget about it forever

Using any one remedy, it is impossible to get rid of rashes on the hands. However, if all the doctor's prescriptions are observed, it is possible to partially get rid of the disease. It is important to apply both local treatment and systemic.

Local treatment necessarily includes the use of powder. For example, on a talc or starch basis.

If the wounds become wet, then it is necessary to use cooling compresses or made on the basis of disinfectants, because fluid in the wound constantly leaks.

In the chronic form, hot baths, warming compresses are useful. The development of eczema is provoked by various diseases: gastritis, cholecystitis, colitis. They need medical treatment.

Otherwise, you can provoke chronic eczema. To get rid of it forever, you should first find out the reason for its appearance.

When in contact with chemical products, you should follow the safety rules:

• use gloves when working with chemicals;
• use a mask or respirator;
• special clothing must always be worn;
• if necessary, take antihistamines.
• lubricate the affected skin with corticosteroid ointment.

Be sure to carry out vitamin therapy.

It is worth taking care of immunity, taking immunomodulators. If eczema is accompanied by weeping wounds, then we must not forget about the use of gloves.

Contact with water is highly undesirable. It is important to pay attention to the general condition, eczema is always the effect of a combination of internal trouble or external influence. It is not transmitted from another person.

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Proven Treatment Methods

Dry eczema is called dry dermatitis. This is due to dryness, cracking of the skin of the hands. Suffer from this disease regardless of gender and age. The disease lasts for a long time.

Exacerbation should be expected in winter, this is due to low humidity. In the hot season, dry eczema occurs rarely, without complications.

More often it occurs on the fingers. Although localization is also possible on other parts of the body.

Typical causes of dry eczema:

• problems with the liver, gastrointestinal tract;
• predisposition, inheritance by inheritance;
• prolonged contact with chemicals;
• low immunity;
• metabolic disease;
• prolonged emotional overstrain;
• the presence of chronic foci of infection.

For local treatment, hormonal ointments with an anti-inflammatory effect are popular. They accelerate the regeneration of the skin, promote rapid healing. However, with prolonged use, the epithelium becomes thinner, local immunity decreases.

The result is a bacterial and fungal infection. With allergic symptoms, the use of antihistamines, sedatives is recommended.


A wonderful result shows the healing cream Advantan. It is used once a day. Apply to the affected area of ​​the skin in one thin layer. The duration of treatment is 1-2 months. But it is possible to use other drugs.

For example, Lokoid and Elocom, they are applied in a thin layer, like the previous version. Produced in the form of ointments, creams. Applying them, you can forget about dry eczema for a long time.

Pimecrolimus cream, Tacrolimus ointment miraculously relieve inflammation. They relieve itching, excessive dryness of the skin of the hands. The duration of treatment depends on individual factors. Therefore, the course of treatment is determined by a dermatologist.

Immunosuppressants are drugs that suppress the immune system. They are rarely appointed. However, with a wave-like course of the disease, they are necessary. They contain hormones of general action.

Released in the form of tablets or injectable form. It is important to carefully follow all the recommendations of doctors so that there are no complications and concomitant diseases.

General rules for dry eczema:

• minimize skin contact with chemical irritants - with detergents;
• timely medical examination;
• treatment of chronic infections;
• dairy-vegetarian diet. Inclusion in the diet of whole grains, dairy products, fruits, vegetables;
• homework is best done with protective gloves;
• when working in the production of chemicals, in addition to gloves, use special creams;
• thoroughly moisturizing hands;
• limited contact with water.

Getting rid of the microbial species

First you need to get rid of the problem that caused microbial eczema. Later it is worth applying antifungal drugs, antibiotics. Treatment by external methods consists in the use of various ointments, antiseptics.

Astringents and anti-inflammatory agents give a good result - they prevent inflammation from developing in the future.

The patient is prescribed vitamin complexes of group B, antihistamines. Physiotherapy is often used.

The main emphasis in treatment should be made on strengthening the body - it is obligatory to take immunostimulating drugs, vitamins. Pay special attention to personal hygiene.

You need to choose products that do not belong to the group of allergens. Eczema often occurs as a result of stress. Therefore, they should be excluded, as well as strong physical exertion.

Of the drugs take antihistamines. For example, Fenkarol or Suprastin. Corticosteroids should be taken to reduce skin sensitivity in case of microbial hand eczema. Often prescribed sedatives. For example, the motherwort.

Can be cured with folk remedies

Perfectly help procedures using celandine. The juice should be squeezed out of it. Insist in a dark place in a bottle that does not let in sunlight.

Lubricate the affected areas with the resulting juice two to three times a day. They don't need to be overwrought. It is necessary to wait until the juice dries on the hands naturally.

This is a painful procedure, a burning sensation is felt. However, the effect is fast and long-lasting.

Another option is a combination of string and celandine. These herbs are poured with boiling water. When the liquid remains a little hot, the skin is lubricated with it. And when it is worth dipping your palms into a warm infusion, support a little. The effect can be seen after several such procedures.

A variety of hand baths give a lasting effect. For example, the following option is popular. Use 5 liters of warm water. Dissolve half a tablespoon of creolin in it.

The result is a white saturated solution. You should wait until the solution cools down slightly. Then put your hands in it. Support hands for 10-15 minutes.

It is important not to dry them with a towel afterwards. The skin should dry naturally. The bath should be repeated 3 times a day. Within two weeks you will see noticeable results.

The usual bath with the addition of sea salt is also popular. Salt must be dissolved in hot water. As soon as the water becomes an acceptable temperature, you should lower your hands into it, hold it until it cools completely.

After the hand, gently soak with a towel, grease with baby cream or a product with an organic composition. Repeat this procedure every day before going to bed.

The disease can be treated with sea buckthorn. However, in this option, it is enough to add it to the diet in the maximum amount, like other foods with a high content of vitamin A.

Features of the therapeutic diet

Treatment of eczema on the hands with the help of dietary adjustments is an effective method that has a therapeutic effect on the entire body. This disease requires a drastic change in diet.

Otherwise, you can't get rid of it. For example, the menu must necessarily consist of vegetable soups, cereals.

You can eat lean meat, fish. But salt and any spicy food should be minimized. You will need to follow a hypoallergenic diet. After all, often skin rashes are a reaction to some product.

For this reason, you should refuse such food:

• egg white;
• milk (fat);
• fatty fish;
• Strawberry wild-strawberry;
• grapes, pomegranates;
• black currant;
• coffee, chocolate;
• pineapple, melon;
• beet;
• mustard.

This list is subject to change. Your daily diet should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates is important. Add turnips, turnips to the food. They provide the body with vitamin C.

The duration of such a diet is at least a month. It can be an effective prevention of eczema.

Prevention of occurrence

To avoid eczema, you should regularly strengthen the body. You need to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Excessive exercise is undesirable.

Infections and skin diseases should be treated immediately. Contact with strong chemical irritants should be avoided, be sure to protect the skin using gloves.

In most cases, the disease is provoked by stress. Therefore, with emotional stress, sedatives and herbal teas are recommended.

The level of skin hydration is also important. It is important to use moisturizers. The problem with eczema is its duration. Treatment is always long.

And if a person has already had eczema, then most likely it can happen again. If you neglect the condition of the skin.

Eczema, as a transmissible disease, occurs in rare cases.

Eczema is a chronic inflammation of the superficial layers of the skin, prone to recurrent course, occurring in response to exposure to external or internal stimuli. The disease is characterized by the appearance of a rash in the form of bubble elements and severe itching. Lesions can be localized in different parts of the body, quite often occur on the hands, which are constantly in contact with the external environment. When eczema appears on the hands, how to treat this disease becomes a problem not only of a medical, but also of an aesthetic nature. Firstly, the hands are in plain sight, and secondly, they are constantly in action, so the application of local funds is limited in time.

Causes of eczema

No single cause of the disease has been identified. Scientists are inclined to believe that eczema is a multifactorial disease, where a number of reasons play a role:

hereditary predisposition;

psycho-emotional stress;

allergization of the body;

the state of the digestive system;

constant contact with skin irritating substances;

the presence of an infectious agent in combination with sensitization of the body;

endocrine disorders;

the presence of an immune defect.

Each of the listed states will not cause in itself, the combination of several factors matters more in the presence of a provoking moment that will play the role of a trigger. To figure out how to treat eczema on the hands, you should understand the possible causes.

If a person has a genetic predisposition, constant hand contact with detergents, a malfunction in digestion - in this case, severe stress can play the role of a provoking factor in the manifestation of eczema.

Allergens are foods (chocolate, citrus fruits, fish, eggs, honey, etc.); medicines (analgesics, antipyretics, antibiotics and others); cleaning and detergents, cosmetics, substances that make up watches and jewelry, plant pollen, house dust and mold, animal hair.

The state of the digestive system is reflected in the skin. There is a phrase that the skin is a mirror of the intestines. Constipation, digestive disorders in pancreatitis, helminthiases, dysbacteriosis, malnutrition - all this can play a role in exacerbations.

Infection plays a major role in causing microbial eczema. The presence of chronic foci is also important: carious teeth, chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media.

It is very important to find out the underlying cause in the professional form of the disease. Here the initiators are paints, fiberglass, formaldehyde, nickel, cement and other production factors. Knowing the cause helps to figure out how to treat eczema on the hands with this type of disease.

It has been proven that with eczema there is an imbalance of immunity factors. This can be detected using an immunogram.

Eczema is not contagious and is not transmitted from person to person.

Symptoms

The main symptoms are redness, vesicular rash and itching of the skin. First, there is redness and swelling of the affected area. Then small bubbles appear, filled with a clear liquid, the appearance of the sore spot resembles boiling water, which is why the name of the disease arose, which in Greek means “boil”. All this is accompanied by excruciating itching.

Then the vesicles open, the serous contents flow out, erosions form. This stage is dangerous secondary infection of unprotected areas. The skin becomes wet, and then the contents of the bubbles dry out, forming crusts.

In the next stage of the disease, the skin becomes thickened, rough, all folds and furrows are clearly visible on it. This is called lichenification of the skin, which becomes dry, flaky. Itching can be in all stages of the disease.

Due to unbearable itching, the presence of a rash on the hands, which is visible to others, disturbances of the nervous system and psyche occur. There are insomnia, irritability, depression.

Varieties of eczema

True eczema is characterized by bright redness, swelling, many tiny blisters, which, when opened, cause abundant weeping. Accompanied by burning and itching. After 2 months, acute phenomena subside, skin infiltration (thickening) and lichenification predominate. The skin acquires a bluish-pink color. Bubbles and erosions are difficult to detect. The itch persists. The course of the disease is recurrent.

Dyshidrotic eczema is a true variety. In this case, lesions appear on the palms and soles. The bubbles merge into multi-chamber bubbles with a dense tire. At autopsy, extensive weeping erosions are formed.

Microbial eczema. For its development, the presence of pustules, fistulas, trophic ulcers is necessary. There is an allergization of the body to pyogenic bacteria. Foci of eczema are located around the abscess, are characterized by clear boundaries, rounded outlines.

The fungal form of the disease is a type of microbial, only the fungus acts as an infectious agent.

Occupational eczema in its manifestations is very similar to the true one. More often it affects open areas of the body, including the hands, which are in contact with industrial harmful stimuli.

Eczema on the hands: how to treat

Treatment should be complex, it is prescribed.

General principles:

Diet. It is recommended to exclude from the diet foods that cause allergies: citrus fruits, honey, chocolate and cocoa, fish, fatty foods, smoked meats. Sweets and sugar should be limited. Dairy and vegetable products are preferred.

Daily regime. It is desirable to reduce the psycho-emotional load, eliminate stressful situations. If not possible, get more rest. Good sleep is very important. In many cases, a psychologist or psychotherapist helps.

The affected areas of the hands should be spared, do not wash with hot water, avoid contact with detergents and washing powders, with occupational hazards, cosmetics, do not wear bracelets and jewelry. Contact with an animal if it is known that it causes allergies is not worth it.

It is desirable to sanitize all chronic foci of infection.

Treatment of eczema is divided into local and general.

General treatment

So, how to treat eczema on the hands with drugs that affect the entire body:

With a desensitizing and antipruritic purpose, antihistamines are prescribed: suprastin, diphenhydramine, tavegil, claritin, tsetrin, erius, zirtek and the like.

For the best achievement of this effect, sodium thiosulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate are used.

Drugs that act on basophils: ketotifen, zaditen.

Calming agents are used if neurotic complaints are expressed: tranquilizers prescribed by the attending physician (phenazepam, elenium) or herbal sedatives: novopassitis, valerian or motherwort tincture.

In order to normalize digestion, adsorbents (polyphepan, polysorb), enzymatic preparations (pancreatin, mezim-forte, creon), biological preparations (linex, bifidobacterin, lactobacterin, hilak-forte) are used.

With the severity of the purulent process, broad-spectrum antibiotics or drugs selected on the basis of the results of bacteriological culture are prescribed. This applies to microbial eczema and secondary infection of the foci. If fungal flora predominates, antimycotic drugs are used.

Immunomodulators are used, guided by the immunogram. These include licopid, polyoxidonium, thymalin.

In severe eczema, glucocorticoids (prednisolone) are prescribed orally.

Local treatment

To know how to treat eczema on the hands with local remedies, you need to consider the stage of the disease. Local therapy is used on the basis of the rule that “wet” should be applied to the weeping surface, that is, lotions and talkers, and ointments to the dry one.

Eczema is a common skin disease of a neuro-allergic nature, which is characterized by recurrent inflammation of the papillary dermis and is manifested by a skin rash. An eczematous rash is characterized by polymorphism, persistent flow and localization in open areas of the body - the face, hands, feet. Eczema on the hands occurs in 25% of people with skin problems, because this part of the body is not protected by clothing and is often exposed to aggressive environmental factors: from the use of an allergenic cream to working with chemical reagents.

Reasons for the development of the disease

The causes of eczema on the hands have not been clarified, because this disease belongs to the group of polyetiological (or multifactorial), that is, many factors can lead to its development. Most doctors are of the opinion that the mechanism of the development of the disease is directly related to disorders of the nervous system. However, scientists believe that its appearance can be triggered by a number of the following reasons:

• contact with chemical dyes and fragrances that are part of daily household chemicals (according to statistics, eczema on the fingers often occurs after prolonged interaction with an aggressive dishwashing detergent, powder or allergenic cream);
• long-term use of certain groups of pharmaceuticals (NSAIDs, for example);
• infectious diseases of the skin;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• genetic predisposition.
• bee pollen, mold, poplar fluff;
• dryness and sweating of the hands.

Symptoms of the disease

Depending on the external manifestations, eczema on the hands can be weeping and dry, and for the reasons that cause it, it can be idiopathic (true), microbial, professional.

The symptoms of eczema are directly related to its type, although the common signs of the disease include severe reddening of the skin of the hands, itching, the intensity of which each determines independently, the appearance of dense swelling of the soft tissues and an increase in the temperature of the skin of the hands.

1. True (idiopathic) hand eczema is characterized by a rapid onset. The rashes are erythematous, papular or vesicular in nature (the photo shows that they are characterized by symmetry). The disease begins with the formation of small blisters, which subsequently merge with each other, open up, form point erosions, light yellow crusts and lead to the development of lichenification (a sharp thickening of the skin and increased pattern). All this is accompanied by a strong swelling of the affected tissues, and subsequently peeling.
2. The microbial form of the disease develops against the background of purulent inflammation of the skin in places of burns or abrasions. The process begins with a unilateral lesion and detachment of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, followed by the formation of exudate, which eventually shrinks into thin linear or annular crusts - dry eczema is formed (most often it does not affect the entire hand, but only the fingers).
3. Occupational eczema on the hands in clinical manifestations resembles true eczema, that is, it is characterized by a quick onset and papulo-bubble rashes that look like small bubbles in the photo. At the initial stage, it can be cured with folk remedies, but if the cause of the disease is not eliminated, then it will turn into a chronic form, the course of which will worsen with each subsequent exacerbation.

An eczematous rash usually breaks up in 3-4 days, and the ulcers that remain after it heal within a month and are accompanied by pain. It is important to remember that at the moment when the bubbles open, the risk of entering a concomitant infection increases, which will greatly complicate the treatment of eczema on the hands and lead to a long course of the disease. During periods of exacerbation, the skin on the affected area becomes red and moist to the touch (it is very important at such moments to follow a diet and protect the nervous system from shocks), and during remission it becomes dry and inelastic. Dry eczema is accompanied by peeling of the skin and the appearance of bleeding cracks (in the photo they look like small cuts), which are very itchy (wounds and peeling are recommended to be lubricated with baby cream).

Diagnostic methods

Before treating eczema on the hands, you need to visit a dermatologist who can determine the cause of the disease. Basically, doctors make a diagnosis based on an external examination of the skin of a conversation with a patient, but in rare cases an additional examination is required - a complete blood count, a smear to determine the infectious agent. In the event that a specialist suspects the presence of another disease with a similar course (scabies, psoriasis), he may prescribe a skin biopsy. It should be said that treatment with traditional medicine or the use of antihistamine creams should not be started without first consulting a doctor, as they can cause complications. The only thing that a patient with a suspected eczematous rash can do is go on a diet, removing “harmful” foods from his diet.

How to treat?

About how to treat eczema on the hands of the patient is told by a specialist who needs to be visited even if subsequently the treatment will be carried out by folk remedies. Therapy should be complex using both external (creams, ointment) and internal agents (tablets, injections), with mandatory diet and physiotherapy.

Medication treatment

Drug treatment of eczema on the hands includes the use of oral antihistamines (Tavegil, Suprastin, Eden), antibacterial drugs (in case of microbial damage to the skin), immunomodulators (vitamin complexes) and preparations for external use. At the first signs of the disease, the patient is prescribed a glucocorticoid ointment for eczema on the hands, which relieves inflammation, itching and prevents further damage to the skin (after the inflammatory process has been eliminated, the use of the ointment is canceled). In the future, the patient is prescribed the use of an antihistamine cream - in order to eliminate swelling and itching, and a course of physiotherapy procedures (ozone therapy, paraffin applications, ultraviolet irradiation, and so on). The cream acts as a barrier between the skin and pathogenic microflora, so doctors approach its choice thoroughly (creams based on pimecrolimus and zinc pyrithione are especially popular).

Treatment with folk remedies

It is difficult to cure eczema with folk remedies, so their use is prescribed in addition to drug therapy. Especially popular among traditional medicine recipes are hot compresses from cabbage boiled in milk, oral decoction of burdock root and the use of a cream based on fish oil and nuts prepared at home. Treatment with folk remedies will be effective only at the very beginning of the disease; in severe cases, eczema can only be treated with medicines.

Diet

Diet is one of the main factors in the successful treatment of the disease. Patients with eczema on their hands are advised to make up their daily diet of hypoallergenic foods and give preference to low-fat protein-milk foods and vegetables. The diet for eczema strictly excludes the use of smoked, citrus and sweet foods, because their intake greatly increases the itching. Instead of tea and coffee, doctors recommend drinking healing infusions prepared according to traditional medicine recipes.

Despite the fact that eczema is a chronic relapsing disease, the prognosis for its treatment is favorable. Diet, preventive use of traditional medicine, lack of contact with allergens, timely treatment of infectious skin diseases and the right choice of hand cream reduces the risk of relapse to a maximum.

Is everything correct in the article from a medical point of view?

Answer only if you have proven medical knowledge

Diseases with similar symptoms:

Eczema is a dermatological disease that affects the surface layers of the skin and is allergic in nature. Such an ailment can affect at any age and on any part of the skin. The disease is characterized by bright redness of the skin and the formation of a large number of bubbles.

Many people are interested in what is eczema on the hands, as well as the causes and treatments for this disease. The inflammatory process that covers the dermis and is chronic is called eczema. Most often, it affects the hands, penetrating deeper and affecting the middle layer of the skin.

The disease manifests itself as a small rash, which is accompanied by the formation of cracks and vesicles that burst and cover large areas of the skin. As a result, wounds arise, where the infection constantly penetrates, causing the formation of pus. Eczema of the hands and fingers can be of several types:

• professional;
• microbial;
• true;
• children's.

Why does eczema occur on the hands?

There can be several causes of eczema on the hands. There are a huge number of provocateurs for the appearance of the disease, but doctors have not yet been able to single out the main one among them. Experts agree that the onset of the disease provokes a whole range of factors. Chief among them are:

Each type of disease develops under the influence of specific factors that cause eczema on the hands. Idiopathic eczema develops under the influence of such reasons:

1. High level of nervous tension.
2. Stress that causes psychological trauma.
3. Disorder of the autonomic nervous system.
4. Thyroid dysfunction.
5. The development of diabetes.
6. hereditary predisposition.
7. Digestive problems.

Atopic eczema occurs under the influence of factors such as:

1. Allergic reaction to animal hair, plant pollen, house dust, food, other irritants.
2. Genetic predisposition to asthma or bronchitis.

Occupational eczema develops under the influence of factors that are present at work. Most often it is a chemical effect, the effect of gas, steam, smoke. Usually metallurgists, builders, pharmacists, employees of publishing houses and printing companies suffer from this type. The danger to the skin of the hands is such harmful substances as nickel, lead, manganese, cobalt, resins, etc.

If occupational eczema is left untreated, then the disease will spread throughout the body. Microbial eczema occurs due to the fact that the skin of the hands is constantly under the influence of fungi and bacteria. It can be provoked by such reasons as:

• purulent wounds;
• trophic ulcers;
• abrasions;
• burns;
• cuts.

If the surface of the hands constantly interacts with surfactants, then such a type of disease as dyshidrotic will develop. Such an ailment also occurs under the influence of professional factors, improper use or irrational effects of drugs, and the use of cosmetics, detergents, the development of diseases of the nervous system, injuries to the skin of the hands, the negative effects of direct sunlight and cold. Infections can also provoke dysgdrotic eczema. The deeper bacteria and microbes penetrate, the larger the affected area will be.

The skin of the hands is not affected by seborrheic or varicose eczema, although there are exceptions in medical practice.

Symptoms of eczema on the hands

Like the causes, the symptoms of the disease for a given species will differ. Often, it is the external manifestations that help doctors make the correct diagnosis, which is necessarily supported by the delivery of tests and diagnostic measures. Idiopathic eczema has the following symptoms:

1. Rashes on the skin of the hands look like papules, erythema, vesicles, which are located in open areas. The rash is symmetrical.
2. The process is chronic, which provokes the development of skin lichenification.
3. A person suffers from constant itching, burning, and these factors often indicate the onset of the disease.
4. Blisters appear earlier than other types of rashes. Formations quickly burst, resulting in erosion.

Atopic symptoms include:

1. Swelling and redness of the skin.
2. Covering the hands with small bubbles that quickly burst, forming weeping.
3. Scales, crusts appear on the skin.
4. The skin of the hands becomes dry and flaky.
5. Itching accompanies the patient all the time, that is, during periods of exacerbation and treatment. If the disease has passed into the acute phase, then the itching subsides a little.

The professional type is accompanied by an inflammatory process, which is intensified under the influence of stimuli. The disease can spread throughout the body, although it often manifests itself on the fingers. Symptoms develop quickly and are very similar to the idiopathic appearance. The microbial type occurs around wounds that fester, as well as burns, fistulas, accompanied by purulent inflammation.

Unlike other types of the disease, the microbial affects purulent areas of the skin, which provokes the formation of the stratum corneum and its gradual exfoliation. Further, peeling develops, exudate is separated. In its place, then there are crusts. Itching may occur, but not always.

The microbial type must be treated urgently, since it can cause damage to areas of the skin located symmetrically.

Dyshidrotic eczema manifests itself as follows:

1. First, a rash appears, which looks like blisters with liquid.
2. Then the rash affects the sides of the fingers, gradually spreading to the rest of the skin of the upper extremities.
3. Hands swell and become red.
4. When the bubbles open, erosion begins to occur, which are wet. But this does not prevent the skin from peeling and exfoliating.
5. Constantly there is itching of a pronounced nature.
6. At the same time, a secondary infection develops, which causes soreness, cracking, etc.

How to treat the disease?

An experienced doctor knows how to treat eczema and has the right to prescribe a treatment and choose a way to get rid of the disease. Self-medication is contraindicated: having noticed the first symptoms, it is better to immediately go to the hospital, get tested and get expert advice. Based on the results of tests and diagnostics, the doctor chooses a method of treatment. The patient must be prepared for the fact that the therapeutic course will last a long time. Much depends on the patient himself: timely admission to the hospital, adherence to a special diet developed by the doctor, regular medication, etc.

Treatment of any type of disease is prescribed strictly individually for each patient, who, if side effects appear, must immediately inform the doctor about them.

One or another type of eczema on the hands, depending on the cause and treatment, goes away in children and adults over a different period of time. What matters is the age of the patient, his state of health, the presence or absence of bad habits, maintaining an active lifestyle, diet.

How to treat eczema on hands? First of all, the doctor prescribes a complex medication. First, the dermatologist will prescribe drugs of a pathogenetic nature, which should block the influence of external factors, dysfunction of internal organs. The next step will be non-specific therapy:

• blood transfusion;
• hirudotherapy;
• autohemotherapy;
• lactotherapy.

If the form of eczema is severe, then such types of treatment are prescribed, such as:

1. Hemosorption.
2. Plasmapheresis.
3. Enterosobsiya.
4. Taking biostimulants (injections containing aloe extract or placenta).

If the disease provoked the development of neurotic disorders, then the doctor will definitely prescribe the intake of Sodium bromide, Bromocamphor and tranquilizers. Additionally, sedatives are prescribed, which should help the body cope with intoxication, reduce the effects of toxins and harmful substances.

Often the disease affects the areas between the fingers, which forces the dermatologist to prescribe hormonal drugs. The course of hormone treatment cannot be long, but it must be monitored by a doctor. It is impossible to prescribe or cancel hormones on your own, so as not to harm the body. Drug therapy is accompanied by the obligatory intake of vitamin complexes of groups E, B, folic and ascorbic acids. The composition of complex therapy includes the following components:

1. Antihistamines, which are prescribed in the form of injections, tablets or solutions.
2. Immunomodulators.
3. Stimulants.
4. Enzymes.
5. Probiotics.
6. Antibacterial drugs.
7. Antifungal agents.
8. Local antimycotics (ointments and creams).

Home treatment and diet

It all depends on what side effects and complications caused eczema. To speed up recovery, patients are prescribed physiotherapy, which allows you to remove the inflammatory processes of the skin. For the entire period of treatment, it is worth switching to a diet.

It is necessary to stop using:

• spicy and salty foods;
• fried meat;
• smoked products;
• meat broths;
• alcoholic and alcoholic beverages;
• cheeses;
• coffee;
• chocolate
• conservation.

It is possible to treat eczema on the hands at home, but use various folk remedies only on the recommendation of a doctor. In any case, a person conducts the main therapeutic course at home, taking pills and other therapeutic agents according to the schedule.

This is a separate nosological class of skin pathologies, which is often mistakenly confused with dermatitis. Eczema occupies a significant share among all diseases of the dermis - about 20%. But it is not a monolithic, one-type disease. There are approximately 10 subtypes. Due to insufficient knowledge of the mechanisms of the development of the disease, there is no absolutely accurate classification.

An eczematous lesion can affect the entire surface of the body, but compared to dermatitis, it “loves” the upper and lower limbs, especially the hands and forearms, much more strongly (with the exception of seborrheic and varicose forms). According to the statistics of this pathology, men over 35 years old and women aged 20-30 years are most affected. In children under 13 years of age, dermatitis occurs much more often (although eczema does occur).

Varieties and atypical forms

To begin with, eczema (translated from the Greek "ἐκζέω" - "boil") itself is an atypical manifestation, an abnormal reaction of the body to something. Therefore, they are all in one way or another atypical. Structuring eczema by variety is quite difficult, since two or more forms are often present, plus one can cause another.

In a general scheme, something like this:

1. endogenous eczema. Includes true (idiopathic, systemic), dyshidrotic, seborrheic, tylotic (horny, corn-like), varicose eczema. It is characterized by the fact that it is triggered by internal factors.
2. Exogenous eczema. Includes bacterial, viral, mycotic (fungal), allergic (subspecies - professional), sycosiform eczema. It is clear that here the disease developed as a result of the influence of some agent from the outside.
3. Children's eczema is considered separately, since in a child's body it is even more difficult to distinguish between etiology than in an adult.

But such a classification remains largely arbitrary. For example, some kind of endogenous eczema is caused by malfunctions inside the body. But these failures, in turn, as a rule, also turn out to be the result of external influences. For example, a traumatic combination of poor ecology, unhealthy lifestyle and cold climate.

Other classifications separate eczema by localization and symptoms, but this approach is rather superficial, since eczema provoked by completely different factors can have similar localization and manifestations.

Causes

Modern dermatology, immunology and allergology, studying cases of eczematous lesions, no longer consider the causes of the development of the disease separately. There is always a set of reasons in which one of them simply becomes a trigger. For example, staphylococcal infections do not cause eczema in all people, and for some it becomes that “spark” that ignites the prepared “fuel” (a complex of concomitant factors). It is still not even clear whether a genetic predisposition is required, or whether eczematous inflammation can also develop in a person who was not initially prone to it at all. The disease is chronic, varying greatly in frequency and intensity of relapses.

The main set of factors that create conditions for the onset of the disease are as follows:

1. Genes encoding the structure of cell membrane receptors (a kind of antigens). It has been confirmed that isoantigens on blood cells can be a concomitant or provoking factor. It was revealed that among patients with eczema, the majority are carriers of isoantigens A, M, N, found on the blood cells of patients. The exact mechanism of action linking isoantigens and changes in the immune system is not fully understood.
2. The immune shifts themselves during the development of eczema are generally known. This is inhibition of T-lymphocyte activity, abnormally high activity of B-lymphocytes. Their accelerated transition to plasma cells, which synthesize the main allergenic immunoglobulin E. Along with Ig E, the concentration of Ig G is increased in the blood, which normally begins to be actively released during infection, but can also occur with an excessively acute reaction of the body to pre-threshold doses of bacteria or viruses . But Ig M, on the contrary, is lowered, because It is also produced in immature B-lymphocytes, the number of which is also small in eczema.
3. According to the latest data, it is clear that it is incorrect to talk about the weakening of the immune system as the cause of eczema. No, the situation here is rather the same as with autoimmune diseases. He just becomes inadequate. According to one theory, due to the mentioned shifts, immunoglobulins begin to attack the body's own cells. In this case, skin cells.
4. For a long time, eczema was thought to be neurological and/or mental in nature. As one of the factors - certainly. The defeat of the peripheral nerves of the extremities, for example, with polyneuropathy, has been repeatedly noted by the subsequent development of skin inflammation. The connection between the psyche and the development of skin inflammation has been studied to an even lesser extent. Perhaps the mental factor somehow turns into a neurological one.
5. For example, the work of the autonomic nervous system is disrupted, and this leads to malfunctions in the functioning of the endocrine glands and metabolism.
6. Persons with a tendency to eczematous inflammation often encounter it if they become ill with some kind of infection: staphylococci, herpes viruses, fungi of the genus Candida, helminthic infestations.
7. Individual allergic reactions often lead to eczema. For example, allergic contact dermatitis can progress to eczema.
8. Autoimmune diseases are of particular importance. For example, the gastrointestinal tract (UC, Crohn's disease). An immune failure has already occurred in the body, so the formation of autoantibodies to cells of other tissues is facilitated.
9. A complex set of external conditions: unhealthy diet with a high content of trans fats (fast food), unfavorable environmental conditions (long-term exposure), constant stress and lack of sleep, drug therapy, various injuries. This leads to one or more of the previous eight factors.

As you can see, it all comes down to shifts in the immune system, only the paths to this state are different and include a different number of “steps”. A fundamental conclusion suggests itself that eczema does not have a single development scenario. There can be dozens, hundreds of such scenarios. And some experts believe that there are as many scenarios as there are patients with this diagnosis.

Symptoms

Eczema is rightly considered one of the diseases of the hands. Even with dyshidrotic eczema, which affects only the legs and arms, inflammation of the legs affects only 20% of all cases. The symptoms on the hands with the described pathology have many common points, but there are also unique manifestations.

The main symptomatic feature common to all species is polymorphism. When the symptoms of different stages of the development of the disease are observed simultaneously. With dermatitis, the opposite is recorded - strict, phased dynamics.

True (idiopathic) eczema

Pronounced erythema of irregular shape, the size of red spots varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Numerous microvesicles are immature serous vesicles up to 1 mm in diameter. Almost immediately they turn into micro-ulcers (the so-called "serous wells"), from which exudate protrudes onto the epidermis, forming a brownish crust.

After the scabs fall off, a healthy layer remains. But with frequent relapses, hyper- and hypopigmentation of the skin under the scabs, its lichenification occurs - the skin pattern changes, the skin furrows become deeper, abnormal plateau-type thickenings are noted, resembling flat corns with deep cracks. Another sign of chronicity is constant peeling, both erythema and scabs. And all this against the background of never completely subsiding itching and burning.

Dyshidrotic eczema

It is distinguished by the fact that it always affects only the hands and feet, and the hands in 8 cases out of 10. At least the disease begins with the palms. Erythema is mild, usually the process begins with a simple reddening of the skin area. Then numerous, rather large (up to 5 mm), serous vesicles appear, sometimes merging into whole blisters. After resolution, weeping ulcers are left, covered with grayish-yellowish crusts. With frequent relapses against the background of dyshidrosis, true eczema often occurs.

Tylotic (horny, corn-like) eczema

Localization is completely identical to dyshidrosis. Erythema and rashes are not expressed due to the rapid formation of callosities.

Microbial (bacterial, viral) eczema

On healthy, intact skin, it only occurs as:

• spontaneously passing symptom of some kind of infection, for example, rashes with scarlet fever, yersiniosis;
• individual allergic reaction to pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora.

In other cases, this form develops against the background of another skin lesion, when some kind of secondary infection is introduced into the damaged, inflamed zones.

A bacterial eczematous lesion reveals itself by the presence of many small, pinpoint screenings around the main area and the presence of purulent exudate.

Mycotic eczema

In fact, an unusual, additional symptom of a fungal disease, due to the fact that the immune response contains not only a standard reaction to the penetration of a foreign antigen, but also an allergic one. For fungal eczema, the main distinguishing feature is a sharp, very clear delimitation of the affected area. Mycoses contribute to the transition of skin pathology into a chronic form, and the hormonal treatment common in eczema is inhibited by the fact that fungi grow and mutate intensively under the action of hormones.

allergic eczema

Occupational eczema is a special case of allergic eczematous lesions. Inflammation is caused by irritants and is chemical in nature. Anything can be an irritant: paint, metal, cleaning agent, cosmetic, food, drug, etc.

It has little differentiation. Often there is a complex of not only skin, but also other allergic, infectious and inflammatory processes occurring at the level of the whole organism (bronchial asthma, conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal irritation, etc.). Not so long ago, for children under 5 years old, it was customary to call eczema exudative diathesis, but later it turned out that such diathesis is something like a universal "near pathological" condition of the child's immune system. And against its background, more specific pathologies develop. Although the hands of the child are also attacked at the onset of the disease, in childhood the process almost always tends to be completely generalized at the level of the whole organism. That is why babies are at risk of toxic-allergic shock.

Photo of eczema on the hands: what it looks like

In the first photo, one can observe characteristic peeling and lichenification with prolonged dyshidrosis.

Content may be unpleasant to view

Diagnostics

A dermatologist (sometimes an immunologist-allergist), after examining the patient's history, complaints and symptoms, almost always makes a correct preliminary diagnosis. This is especially true for those types of eczema that affect strictly defined areas. It is very difficult to confuse with another disease, such as dyshidrosis.

A complete set of diagnostic procedures sometimes includes a study of the gastrointestinal tract for chronic foci of inflammation.

Hand eczema treatment

Therapy is always complex, consisting of:

• antiallergic agents;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• antibacterial drugs;
• painkillers and antipyretics;
• emollients and tonics;
• non-drug therapy: physiotherapy, spa treatment, preventive measures.

Learn more about the above.

Physiotherapy

Almost all physiotherapy involves exposure to the affected tissues of electromagnetic radiation differing in its parameters:

1. Electrosleep - putting the patient into sleep or into a state bordering on sleep for 40 minutes or more with the help of weak currents acting directly on the areas of the head through the electrodes. The method is especially useful if the etiology of eczema is neuropsychiatric (at the initial stage of the disease, electrosleep is able to completely stop its further development).
2. Franklinization is nothing more than an "electrostatic shower", when a low-power direct current is passed through the patient's entire body. The mechanism of therapeutic effect is similar to electrosleep, but it is better not to carry out this procedure for children under 13 years of age.
3. Darsonvalization and other similar methods- high-frequency electrical impulses dilate the vessels of the dermis, improve its trophism and, according to unconfirmed reports, increase the production of the body's own steroids, which have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
4. Electrophoresis - the introduction through the epidermis directly into the dermis of small portions of drugs using an electromagnetic field.
5. ultraviolet irradiation- a powerful non-drug agent that destroys pathogenic microflora.
6. Cryotherapy is the treatment of small affected areas with liquid nitrogen. This causes the inflamed tissue to die, leaving behind fresh, healthy skin.

Despite the criticism of physiotherapy in Western medicine, practice shows its positive effect in many skin pathologies, including eczema. Contraindications are only oncological neoplasms, age under 3 years and the presence of a pacemaker.

Ointments

All ointments, gels and creams are the main component of the topical treatment of eczema.

Actions of ointments:

• anti-inflammatory and partially anti-allergic- non-hormonal (Aurobin, Biopin, Dermaref, Magnipsor, Eplan, etc.) and hormonal (Akriderm, Hydrocortisone ointment, Elokom, Advantan, Sinaflan, Lokoid, Afloderm, etc.);
• antibacterial- antibiotic-based ointments (Erythromycin, Gentamycin, Levomycetin, Tetracycline, Zinerit, Dalacin, etc.), are necessary for secondary infections;
• analgesic- any external agents, which include menthol, lidocaine and other analgesics, however, they are rarely used for skin lesions, since itching and burning subside on their own when inflammation and the focus of infection are eliminated;
• protective (moisturizing, protective film and nutrition), mainly these are creams - Librederm Seychelles with sandalwood and coconut oil, Avanta Beloruchka nourishing with vitamin E and almond oil, Boro plus intensive therapy, Topicrem ultra-moisturizing, etc.

Separately, it is worth mentioning quite effective means of Soviet medicine: Fukortsin, brilliant green solution, zinc paste. The main effect of these old remedies is to create a protective film on the inflamed area.

Droppers and injections

In severe cases, tablets are preceded by droppers and intramuscular injections aimed at desensitizing the body:

• droppers with 10% solution of calcium chloride, especially effective in combination with 10% solution of sodium bromide;
• droppers with 10-20% solution of sodium hyposulfite;
• intramuscular injections of 5% ascorbic acid;
• similar injections of hydrocortisone with 0.25% solution of novocaine;
• with severe general intoxication: intravenously 40% solution of hexamethylenetetramine or 10% solution of sodium salicylate.

Of course, when such measures are required, the patient is recommended at least a short-term hospitalization.

Tablets

Tablets are represented mainly by antihistamines of different classes. But they have a similar principle of action - competitive binding to histamine receptors and (for the newest drugs) inhibition of the synthesis of histamine itself. Examples: Suprastin, Loratadine, Desloratadine (Erius), Tavegil, Diazolin, Fenistil, Rupafin (Abbott), Xizal, Zirtek, Cetrin, Kestin (Nycomed). With severe intoxication, it is occasionally necessary to bring down the heat with the help of NSAIDs - Analgin, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol.

Diet

A number of products are undesirable for eczema. Different foods have different degrees of allergenicity.

High degree:

• cow's milk;
• chicken meat and eggs;
• Fish and seafood;
• spicy, smoked, heavily salted;
• most berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, black currants);
• citrus;
• persimmon;
• melons;
• nuts;
• coffee;
• tomatoes, carrots;
• mustard, red and black pepper;
• mushrooms;
• wheat and rye.

Average degree:

• cocoa;
• beef, pork, turkey, rabbit;
• legumes;
• potato;
• peaches and apricots;
• bananas;
• Red currants;
• corn;
• buckwheat and oats;
• barley;
• butter and most cheeses;
• fatty curd.

Low degree:

• venison, horse meat, lamb;
• zucchini, squash;
• plums;
• watermelons;
• white currant and white cherry;
• cucumbers;
• Green pepper;
• spinach;
• gooseberry;
• apples (green and yellow);
• almond;
• blueberry;
• pumpkin and turnip;
• natural teas, especially green tea;
• kefir, low-fat cottage cheese.

If eczema develops against the background of celiac disease (gluten is not digested), then a gluten-free diet is developed separately.

Treatment with folk remedies at home

Traditional medicine is great as an additional therapy for exacerbations and as the main one during remission. All components of the recipes are sold in the nearest supermarket and pharmacy.

Here are some examples:

• 2 tbsp. add tablespoons of sea salt to 1 liter of very warm water, put your hands in the bath and keep until the water is at room temperature, 1 time per day for 2 weeks;
• at least 100 grams of oat straw pour 1 liter of boiling water, insist 2 hours, strain, soaked straw is used to apply bandage compresses to sore skin (hold the compress for at least 90 minutes), the frequency and duration of the course - according to the symptoms;
• Mix 200 grams of any vegetable oil with laundry soap, rosin, aloe juice and beeswax(each take 50 grams). On low heat, melt all the ingredients until a homogeneous mixture, which, after cooling, must be applied to the inflamed areas 2 times a day for at least 10 days;
• freshly squeezed parsley juice it helps a lot with regular rubbing (2 times a day), an analogue is a compress from fresh grated parsley;
• if you pick a willow branch, resin will soon flow from it- an excellent natural ointment for eczematous skin, it is more convenient to apply with a thin wooden stick, once a day for at least 2 weeks.

But the attending physician must be aware of all the methods used.

For any eczema, at least in the acute stage, it is strongly recommended to follow some rules aimed at protecting the dermis:

• do not use aggressive cleaning products (especially without gloves and a mask);
• detergents and cosmetics should all be hypoallergenic and emollient;
• avoid skin contact with very cold or very hot water;
• avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on unprotected skin;
• if necessary, follow an anti-allergic diet;
• in clothing and underwear, the skin should not come into direct contact with synthetics or wool.

The patient himself gradually determines what should be avoided so as not to aggravate the condition.

Prevention

• during remissions, protect the skin with protective creams and balms (especially in winter);
• normalization of personal hygiene;
• nutrition should be balanced and as natural as possible;
• stress should be minimized, healthy and long sleep is regularly needed;
• moderate sports activities in the fresh air;
• periodic sanatorium-resort rehabilitation;
• elimination or suppression of concomitant factors (for example, avoid allergies);
• serious restriction in the consumption of alcohol, smoking cessation.

And most importantly - do not ignore the beginning inflammation on the skin, but immediately stop the process

Complications and consequences

In general, for an adult, the disease is not deadly. Rather, it exhausts and delivers a lot of discomfort.

Occasionally, more serious phenomena are possible:

• allergic shock with increased sensitization of the body;
• the transition of a secondary skin infection to the systemic level, the development of general sepsis;
• inflammation leads to an accelerated synthesis of new cells, and this always increases the risk of cells with a disturbed DNA structure - cancer cells.

There is a direct relationship between the intensity and frequency of exacerbations and the risk of complications.

Is it contagious and how is it transmitted

Despite the repulsive, “leprous” appearance of a person suffering from severe eczema, pathology does not pose a danger to others. Eczema as an established disease from person to person can only be inherited, but like infections - no.

Features in children

In childhood, the main set of symptoms is the same as in adults. But children's eczema is very "blurred". Moreover, for a small child, it poses a serious threat. The baby's body may simply not withstand intoxication. Therefore, children's eczema requires special urgency and at the same time caution in treatment. After all, there is another problem - the younger the child, the narrower the range of drugs that can be used.

During pregnancy

The difference from the general scenario here is that the treatment of eczema during pregnancy is complicated by the inadmissibility of the mother taking most medications. Whatever drug you take, everywhere in the instructions of the column "Contraindications" contains the inscription "pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding." The most vulnerable period is the 1st trimester. Although, in especially severe cases, under the supervision of a doctor, a pregnant woman is prescribed all the necessary medications. By the way, even hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy can provoke eczema. Such eczema, as a rule, after childbirth gradually disappears on its own.

Video about eczema

The presented video offers an effective way to deal with eczema on the hands of any etiology at home. It is important that the girl in the video offers a recipe, the effectiveness of which she tested on herself.

Forecast

Do not despair of the fact that any eczema is almost 100% likely to be a chronic ailment. Timely treatment of exacerbations and subsequent competent prevention often form the so-called. "indefinite" remission.