What is the cause of eczema on hands and feet

When eczema appears on the hands and feet, we should pay attention to the cause so that we can properly treat and prevent it. People with common allergies, or contact with chemicals, cosmetics, fragrances, etc., may also develop eczema.

1. Causes

1. Internal factors: Allergic constitution is the main cause of recurrent eczema. Other factors include metabolic, endocrine or digestive tract disorders, neuropsychiatric dysfunction, excessive fatigue, mental stress, lesion infection, intestinal parasitic disease, varicose veins, hyperhidrosis, dry skin, etc.

2. External factors: such as chemicals, cosmetics, spices, dyes, detergents, animal toxins, eggs, fish, shrimp and milk and other foreign proteins, pollen, dust, bacterial infection, sun exposure, cold, scratching, etc.

3. Internal factors are the main cause of recurring eczema, and toxins in the body are the basis for the existence of eczema. Thorough detoxification and changing allergic constitution are the key to fundamentally treating eczema.

2. Treatment Methods

1. General prevention and treatment: After eczema occurs, pay attention to skin cleanliness and hygiene, avoid further irritation, do not scratch, scald with hot water, wash with soap, or apply strong irritating topical medications.

2. For systemic treatment, you can use Ochibecon antibacterial cream.

3. Local treatment, acute phase and no exudation: calamine lotion, 3 times/day. If there is obvious exudation and erosion, you can use 3% boric acid solution or 3-5% alum solution for wet compress.

3. Notes

Depending on the course of the disease, eczema can be divided into three types: acute, subacute and chronic.

(1) Acute eczema: The onset is rapid and the patches are often symmetrical, with the head, face, limbs, and genitals being the most common areas. During the course of the disease, various types of rashes such as erythema, papules, blisters, pustules, erosions, and crusts may appear in sequence, but it is common [1] for 2-3 types of rashes to coexist at the same time or for a certain type of rash to be predominant at a certain stage. Frequent scratching due to severe itching makes the condition worse.

(2) Subacute eczema: After the inflammation and symptoms of acute eczema are alleviated, the rash is mainly composed of papules, scales, and scabs, but erosions still occur after scratching.

(3) Chronic eczema: It is often caused by repeated attacks of acute or subacute eczema, and may also present as chronic inflammation from the beginning. The skin of the affected area becomes infiltrated and thickened, turning dark red and pigmented. If the condition persists, the skin lesions will become larger, dry and prone to cracking. It is commonly found in the calves, hands, feet, elbows, vulva, and anus.