Eczema (dermatitis) of the hands refers to an inflammatory condition of the skin of the hands. It most commonly affects the palms, but it can also affect other parts of the hands such as the back of the hand, fingers, space between the fingers, etc. Hand eczema usually occurs due to exposure to chemicals or hands being exposed to irritants. Those who have jobs where chemicals are used, such as laundry workers, hairdressers, healthcare workers, painters and chefs, are more likely to develop hand eczema. In addition to chemicals and irritants, frequent hand washing (which causes dehydration) also increases the risk of hand eczema. Excessive washing results in a weakening of the skin barrier, making it susceptible to allergic reactions when it comes into contact with a particular allergen.
Stress is also linked to causing hand eczema. Hormones produced during mental stress cause suppression of the immune system, resulting in skin inflammation. Eczema can also develop or worsen in cold temperatures and winters. The signs and symptoms may include redness and dark spots on the hands, dryness and itching of the hands. Blisters (fluid-filled bumps) can form on the hands. In some cases, pustules (pus-filled eruptions) may appear or cracks may develop on the hands. The hands may be painful and sometimes bleeding may occur from the affected area on the hand. Flakes may appear and thickening of the skin on the palm may occur. In some cases there is peeling of the skin. In severe, long-term cases, marked pain may be felt in the hands, making it difficult to work with the hands.
It is of the following types:
1. Irritant contact dermatitis of the hands: It occurs when the hands come into contact with irritants such as soaps, detergents and dust that can irritate the skin of the hand.
2. Allergic contact dermatitis of the hands: It occurs due to an allergic reaction to a particular allergen such as nickel, rubber or fragrance when such an allergen comes into contact with the hands.
3. Pompholyx eczema: Other names for this eczema are dyshidrotic eczema and vesicular hand dermatitis that occurs on the hands and feet. The cause is usually unknown, but heat, sweating and stress are known to worsen this type of eczema. This causes water-filled bumps called blisters to form on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, which are very itchy.
4. Fingertip Dermatitis: It can affect one or more fingers
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy offers a natural and effective treatment for eczema of the hands. The homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances and therefore have no side effects. They help in healing the breakouts and controlling the discharges. The homeopathic medicines also help to heal the dryness, roughness and cracks on the skin and the associated bleeding. Itching, burning sensation and any pain during eruptions are also excellently controlled with these medications. In any case, homeopathic medicines for the treatment of hand eczema are selected on the basis of individual symptoms. Although it is safe to use homeopathic medicines, it is recommended to consult a homeopathic doctor before using homeopathic medicines for the treatment of eczema of hands.
Homeopathic medicines for eczema of hands
1. Graphite – for small fluid-filled bumps
Graphite is the most commonly used drug to treat eczema of the hands. It is well indicated for cases with small bumps (vesicles) on hands and fingers. These ooze a sticky liquid. There is itching and burning sensation with these eruptions. Graphite is also useful for dryness, roughness and cracks in the hands. The skin of the hands becomes hard when necessary. Graphite can be helpful in healing eruptions or cracks between the fingers. Cracks on the fingertips can also be treated well with this product.
2. Petroleum – For obvious roughness cracks on hands
Petroleum is a well indicated medicine to control roughness and cracks in the hands. Blood can seep from the cracks. There may be thick crusts on the skin. There is unbearable itching on the hands. A burning sensation is also felt. It is also indicated for fluid-filled eruptions with thick crusts from which pus may ooze. Petroleum is a leading drug for eczema that worsens in cold environments or in winter.
3. Arsenic album – for dryness and scales
This medicine works well when the skin is dry and covered with flakes. Sometimes pus-like discharge may ooze out. There is intense itching on the affected area. It gets worse at night. After scratching, pain and a burning sensation occur. The affected part of the skin may be hypersensitive to touch. The complaint may worsen with cold application.
4. Mezereum – For eczema on the back of the hand
This medicine is recommended for the treatment of eczema on the back of the hand. In cases where this is necessary, small fluid-filled eruptions form in the affected area. They dry out and become covered with crusts. These eruptions itch along with a burning sensation. Scratching makes it worse. Applying water to the affected area worsens the complaint.
5. Merc Sol – For eczema on the back of the hand with peeling skin
Merc Sol is also effective for eczema on the back of the hand. It is used when the skin on the back of the hand is peeling. It is accompanied by stabbing, burning pain. The affected area is moist and then may become dry, covered with a yellow crust. After scratching, the surrounding skin may become inflamed.
6. Sulfur – To control itching and burning
Sulfur is a beneficial medicine to treat itching and burning of the hands due to eczema. The complaint gets worse at night. After scratching, bleeding may occur from the eczema patches. There is pain after scratching. Cuts and cracks appear on the hands. The skin of the hands is very hard and dry. Fluid-filled bumps may be present on the backs of the hands.
7. Lycopodium – With dry palms
Lycopodium is a useful drug for eczema with dryness of the palms. The skin of the palms looks shrunken. The skin is also thick and hard. In some cases, cracks may be present. In addition to these complaints, this drug is indicated for the treatment of pimple-like eruptions on the palms of the hands and also between the fingers. It can also be given for scaly rashes that develop on the backs of the hands and fingers.
8. Staphysagria – For pus-filled eruptions on the hands
It is a very valuable medicine to treat pus-filled eruptions, pimples on the hands. A yellow liquid comes out. There is marked itching with the outbreaks in the evening. These also burn after scratching.
9. Cantharis – For eczema on the fingers and between the fingers
Cantharis is a suitable medicine for eczema on the fingers and between the fingers. There are fluid-filled eruptions (vesicles). These quickly dry out into thin crusts. Itching and burning are clearly visible in these eruptions. Pricking is also felt. The skin of the fingers can peel, causing the surface layer of the skin to be lost. The complaint becomes worse when using cold water, and better with heat.
10. Juglans Cinerea – For painful eczema
This medicine is considered if there is marked pain in the eczema patches. The hands are sore (painful) to the touch. In cases where this medicine is required, the eruptions appear on both the palms and the backs of the hands. The eruptions may ooze fluid or pus. There is also unbearable itching. The eruptions become covered with crusts after fluid oozes out.