Chronic contact eczema
Chronic contact eczema affects many people. Many of them are unaware that eczema is the cause of their skin problems. They believe that dry and red hands are simply the result of insufficient hydration.
Causes of chronic contact eczema
Dry and red hands are a sign of damaged and weakened skin. This type of eczema is not a congenital disease. It is the result of frequent and repeated skin damage. Paradoxically, frequent washing does not moisturize the skin, but dries it out. By using hot chlorinated water and alkaline soaps, we wash away the natural protective microfilm. Scrubbing with brushes or using solvin disrupts the structure of the skin. Rubbing the skin with a towel contributes to the formation of micro-cracks in the skin. All this leads to the loss of the skin's defense mechanisms. At work, the skin is exposed to additional stress in the form of various chemicals, dust, and dirt, or it is strained by the mechanical repetition of a task. As a result, the skin becomes dry, tight, red, scaly, and may itch. Chronic contact eczema most commonly appears on the backs of the hands, palms, and fingers. However, it can also appear on the face. This is usually a result of daily use of makeup and cosmetics.
The skin symptoms are very similar to other types of dermatitis, such as contact allergic or atopic eczema.
Treatment of chronic contact eczema and several tips, including prevention
Treatment of chronic contact eczema takes about a month. This is how long it takes for the skin to regenerate and restore its protective barrier. However, even after successful healing, it is necessary to continue caring for the skin to prevent it from being damaged again. How to do this?
We must treat our hands with kid gloves. Protective gloves must be worn at work. If we have to use latex gloves, it is a good idea to wear cotton gloves underneath to prevent skin maceration. Barrier creams, such as Dermaguard, are an alternative.
We try to wash our hands sensibly and not every half hour. If possible, use non-chlorinated water, such as baby or mineral water. Use lukewarm water, not hot. Use unscented and dye-free soaps and gels with a pH of 5.5, which is the natural acidity level of the skin. They should also contain moisturizing ingredients, such as oils or urea. Dry the skin by blowing or gently patting it. Rub an unscented moisturizing cream, e.g., with paraffin, glycerol, or lanolin, into dry hands. Pay attention to the choice of cream, as some ingredients may not suit everyone. Repeat moisturizing whenever your skin feels dry and always after washing.
Tip for protection and prevention
You can also use Dermaguard, a 2-in-1 barrier cream. The cream has two functions. It protects the skin from aggressive and allergenic substances for 4-6 hours and also effectively moisturizes for the same amount of time. No further application is necessary after washing.
