Eczema Support Group
Eczema is a form of inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. The main symptoms are skin rashes characterized by redness, skin edema, itching and dryness, with possible crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding. Eczema can be extremely physically and socially uncomfortable. If you're an eczema sufferer, join the group and get support.
Anyone ever had this? I developed this condition a few months ago, and while I haven't been to a dermatologist for a formal diagnosis, I'm thinking that's what this is. I had eczema as a child, but no problems for years until now in my mid 20s. I'm wondering if anyone else deals with this condition. I'm curious as to the underlying causes as well as if anyone has treated it successfully. Any information or experiences you'd like to share would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I am on shots (as I get it in more places than just my hands) as well as a strong lotion that helps the skin not get so dry.
As for hand cream, I have several around the house that I use interchangeably. I found that if I used just one, it lost it's effectiveness over time. I use the creams rather than the lotions, because they're thicker. I use CeraVe, Cetaphil and O'Keefe's Working Hands most often, but also Burt's Bees Hand Repair Cream and a new product I found at Target, Skinfix. I also use Aquaphor at night under cotton gloves. I don't do this every night, but when my hands are in bad shape. The best source I found for cotton gloves is Gloves Online. I buy the extra long, white cotton parade gloves by the dozen. They are thicker and longer than beauty gloves. I keep the creams throughout the house and in my purse and apply it throughout the day.
When I have a flare up and my hands itch, I use Exederm and Sarna to stop the itch immediately and then use Benadryl or Zyrtec. Flare ups cause my skin to crack and split open. The hardest part to bandage is the palm, but I've found Nexcare Waterproof clear bandages stick. It took me years to find a bandage that sticks to my palm. I clean the area the adhesive will go onto with just soap and water and let it really dry to get the bandage to stick. I use a good old fashioned drawing salve (Amazon again) under the bandage and the cracks heal in 24 hours.
Other tips I've found that work are to cover the stick shift in my car because my doctor told me metal was the most common irritant for hand eczema. I use a baby sock. I've also found that stress is the major cause of flare ups for me, but haven't yet.figured out the cure for stress.
There are still days when my hands have so many bleeding splits and cracks that I really can't do anything that doesn't cause a lot of pain, but, with the tips above, those days are fewer and don't last as long. Hope this helps.