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How Can Hand Eczema Be Treated?

Posted on Tue, 27 Jun 2017

Question: I have a skin problem in my hand palm and fingers for the past 3 years.It all started with a small itching on my little finger of the right hand.After 3-4 months such itching started in rest of the fingers.The skin becomes dry and scaly like old skin peeling off and cracks develop which are painful like hell.No blood or pus oozes out.only cracks and itching.The itching becomes less when I apply oily type moisturizers or aloe vera cream.This problem worsens during dry weather and air conditioned environments.What is the disease?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like hand eczema

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic
I have gone through your complaints and you seem to be having hand eczema which is a chronic disease of the hands.
You need to keep your hands as much moisturized as possible, stay away from soaps and detergents, go for minimum washing of hands and use gloves while washing clothes and utensils.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (15 hours later)

Thanks Doctor for the reply.
I am at present taking homeopathy medicine for psoriasis under a homeopathic doctor.
I have attached some more pictures including my elbow which is having an itchy area.
I am not sure what to do as all doctors whom i have visited have diagnosed it as psoriasis.
What is the cure for hand eczema and what medicines should I take?
The itching and pain goes whenever I moisturize my hands.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Topical steroid, moisturiser and antihistaminic

Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the attached photographs and looking at these there is possibility of both eczema as well as psoriasis.
If I was your treating doctor I would recommend you to apply topical steroid like clobetasol propionate cream on the affected areas twice daily along with frequent and liberal application of a moisturising cream containing white soft paraffin on the entire hands and forearms 2-3 times in a day for 2 weeks.
Along with this take antihistaminic like tablet levocetrizine 5 mg once daily at bedtime.
These are prescription drugs and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.
There is no permanent cure for eczema or psoriasis.
Both need to be kept under control by regular use of moisturisers.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana