If you suffer from eczema on your hands or psoriasis, you know how difficult it can be to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. The constant itching and irritation can make everyday activities difficult, and the appearance of your skin can be a source of embarrassment.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help manage your condition and keep your skin looking and feeling its best. In this article, we’ll give tips on handling eczema and psoriasis on your arms and hands.
First, it’s important to keep your skin clean and moisturized. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and a moisturizer designed for sensitive skin. Apply your moisturizer immediately after bathing while your skin is still damp.
Second, avoid triggers that can worsen your eczema or psoriasis. Things like hot water, harsh soaps, and certain fabrics can all make your symptoms worse. If you can identify your triggers, you can avoid them and help keep your skin healthy.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talk to your doctor or a dermatologist if you’re having trouble managing your eczema.
Causes of eczema and psoriasis
There are many different types of eczema and psoriasis, but the most common are atopic eczema and psoriasis. Atopic eczema is the most common form, characterized by dry, itchy skin. On rare instances you will find nail psoriasis which is uncommon.
There are many causes of eczema and psoriasis, but the two most common are allergies and genetic factors. Allergies are a major trigger for atopic eczema, and they can be triggered by anything from dust mites to certain foods. Genetic factors are also a major cause of eczema and psoriasis, which tend to run in families.
There are many treatments for eczema and psoriasis, but the most effective treatments address the underlying cause. For allergies, this means avoiding trigger substances and using anti-allergy medications. For genetic factors, this means using medications that suppress the immune system.
Treatment options
There are many treatment options available for eczema and psoriasis. The best course of treatment will vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition.
Topical corticosteroids are often the first line of treatment for eczema. These are drugs that are applied to the skin to reduce inflammation. They have different strengths, and your doctor will determine which is right for you.
Other topical treatments for eczema include antihistamines, barrier creams, and light therapy. Antihistamines can help relieve the itchiness associated with eczema. Barrier creams create a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping, which can help keep the skin hydrated. Light therapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light, which can help reduce the inflammation associated with eczema.
Oral medications are also sometimes used to treat eczema. These include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics. Corticosteroids can be taken by mouth or injected to reduce inflammation. Immunosuppressants are drugs that suppress the immune system, and biologics are drugs that target specific proteins in the immune system.
Home remedies
Eczema and psoriasis are two common skin conditions that can cause the skin on your arms and hands to dry, crack, and irritated. While there is no cure for these conditions, some home remedies can help soothe the skin and reduce the symptoms.
One home remedy that can be used for both eczema and psoriasis is to moisturize the skin regularly. This can help to prevent the skin from becoming too dry and cracked and can also help to reduce inflammation.
Another home remedy that can be used for eczema is to avoid triggers that can worsen the condition. This may include avoiding certain soaps, detergents, and fabrics that can irritate the skin. It is also important to avoid scratching the skin, as this can lead to further irritation and infection.
For psoriasis, one home remedy can be used to expose the skin to sunlight. This can help reduce the symptoms of the condition and the appearance of the skin. However, it is important to use sunscreen to avoid further skin irritation.
Prevention
If you have eczema or psoriasis on your arms or hands, there are several things you can do to prevent flare-ups and keep your skin healthy.
First, avoid triggers that can make your symptoms worse. If you know that certain soaps, detergents, or other substances irritate your skin, avoid them. You may also want to avoid hot water, which can dry your skin.
Second, keep your skin moisturized. Use a moisturizer daily, and apply it generously to all affected areas. Be sure to choose a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type.
Third, protect your skin from the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can make eczema and psoriasis symptoms worse. When outdoors, apply sunscreen to all affected areas, and stay in the shade as much as possible.
Fourth, don’t scratch. It may be tempting to scratch areas of your skin that are itchy, but scratching can damage your skin and worsen your symptoms. If you can’t resist the urge to scratch, try wearing gloves or covering the affected area with a bandage.
