Allergies on the hands

Hand allergies have become quite common in recent years. The expansion of the range of household chemicals on store shelves, a large mass of cosmetics, not always of the appropriate quality and aggressive environmental factors, especially water containing a high amount of harmful impurities - all this leads to the fact that the skin of the hands is constantly exposed to negative influences.

Dry skin on the hands, causing an unpleasant feeling of tightness, not receptive to the action of moisturizers, severe peeling and itching, a small rash that quickly becomes covered with a crust - this is a picture of allergic dermatitis.

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How does hand allergy manifest itself?

If you suspect that you have an allergy on your hands and a rash has appeared, the skin has become excessively dry, and there is a suspicion of the onset of an allergic reaction, do not rush to treatment, having made an independent diagnosis of "allergic dermatitis". As an allergic reaction, intolerance to some component included in household chemicals, for example, may be suspected. After contact with the irritant, all unpleasant symptoms should pass. Simple skin irritation is very often confused with allergic manifestations on the skin. And vice versa.

After contact with cold water, the skin on the hands becomes very sensitive, thinned, acquires a bright red hue, after some time there is pain, swelling, with itching and rash. If such a picture takes place, it is possible that this is an allergy on the hands to cold, and not a simple irritation of the skin receptors in response to the action of cold temperatures.

Another option, similar in its manifestations to the symptoms that an allergy on the hands gives, may be the onset of the development of a fungal infection of the skin of the hands. The symptoms are, in some sense, similar, the same peeling, incessant itching, hyperemia of the skin in the affected area and the formation of crusts from scratching. The difference between a fungal disease and an allergic manifestation is in the area of the lesion. With a fungal infection, the area has a limited zone, for example, between the fingers, around the nail plate. If there is an allergy on the hands, the entire surface of the skin of the hands suffers at once.

There are always reasons to consider the appearance of any changes on the skin as signs of an allergy. It is impossible to exclude the possibility that these are just harbingers of more serious consequences. An immediate visit to a dermatologist will help to remove suspicions or confirm them.

How to treat hand allergies?

Hands are exposed to the view of others, so any changes in the skin require immediate action. Usually, people suffering from dry skin on their hands have a number of moisturizers, in the form of creams or gels. If there are no pathological reasons for dry skin, then this method of softening it works well and effectively. In the case when changes in the skin begin to occur under the influence of an allergen, moisturizing is pointless, in order to get rid of negative symptoms.

First of all, before choosing the right and most effective ointment, you need to protect yourself from meeting the main allergen. Below, we will tell you how to do this. In order to obtain completely comprehensive information, in combination with detailed instructions for action, visit a dermatologist.

Local treatment of allergic dermatitis, including such a condition as hand allergy, involves applying anti-allergy ointments. Such ointments include hormonal, non-hormonal and mixed-based preparations. The choice of the right preparation should be made after a visit to the doctor. Skin that is highly susceptible to allergic reactions can "give out" completely unexpected results, even in response to a very harmless ointment.

Hormonal ointments should be used very carefully. The development of a positive result in response to their action is balanced by the likelihood of side effects. There is an unspoken rule for the use of ointments, which is also relevant in cases where an allergy on the hands requires treatment. First, you need to apply an ointment containing a small dose of a hormonal agent to the skin. If there is no result, apply a stronger ointment after a day. After achieving the desired result, switch to a more gentle drug again.

The given rule of applying ointments implies buying several ointments at once, which is not entirely reasonable from an economic point of view, and there may not be the desired effect. Thus, we again came to the conclusion that it is better and easier to seek help from a dermatologist. In this case, the correct diagnosis will be made, all the necessary scrapings and tests will be taken, after which the treatment course will become obvious in itself.

How to protect yourself from hand allergies?

The simplest thing that can be recommended is to use gloves. Gloves should be worn not only when starting work with cleaning and washing agents, but also before going outside. It is customary to wear gloves only with the onset of cold weather, which is justified by quite understandable reasons. But for people prone to frequent manifestations of allergies on their hands, it is quite acceptable to wear gloves all year round.

Skin prone to allergies is especially sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is very useful to buy gloves made of lightweight material for the warm season. Even lace gloves can protect the skin of the hands from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. Of course, women have it much easier in this regard than men, because a man in lace gloves looks less attractive. However, there are men's versions of gloves that can be worn in the summer, you just need to have the desire and show a little imagination. White gloves from the military dress uniform, which can be bought in any specialized store, are a very suitable option.

The use of protective creams is very helpful. They form a film on the skin surface that protects it from harmful external influences. When using external means of protection, do not forget about the impact on allergies from the inside. Strengthening the body's defenses by eating healthy foods rich in vitamins, reinforcing the daily diet with vitamin complexes, will be a good help in the fight against such an ailment as hand allergies.