The hands are one of most exposed parts of our body–not only are they constantly visible, they are often left unprotected against the effects of harsh weather and irritating skin products, such as drying soaps and detergents. While most of us have experienced moisture-deprived hands at some point, excessively red, cracked and flaky skin can be a sign of a more tenacious skin problem. If your symptoms go beyond run-of-the-mill dryness, you may be suffering from an outbreak of hand eczema. 

Affecting nearly 10% of the population, hand eczema is a common, but highly distressing skin condition. Signs of hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, include:

+ Severely rough and patchy skin
+ Dry, flaking, cracked skin
+ Blisters
+ Itchiness, sensitivity and pain

Blistery, cracked hands greatly affect the way you interact, both personally and professionally. It may be uncomfortable to shake hands or touch anything; you may be compelled to constantly scratch, drawing unwanted attention to your hands; and red, skin can make you feel insecure about making normal hand gestures. It is easy to see why hand eczema can be frustrating!

Though the precise triggers are not well-understood and can vary from person to person, it is generally accepted that the condition is a result of both environmental and genetic factors. Hand eczema can be exacerbated by:

+ Hand-washing. If you use perfumed soap or wash your hands excessively, you may aggravate the skin.
+ Line of work. Mechanics, kitchen workers, and hair stylists, for example, all encounter chemicals, cleaning agents, or other irritants on a regular basis.
+ Allergies. Reactions to certain substances can lead to flare ups. In addition, those with a family history of asthma may be more susceptible to the condition.

If you are exhibiting persistent symptoms of hand eczema, it is advisable that you seek a medical diagnosis and treatment. Because we use our hands continually, hand eczema can worsen with our day-to-day activities. If left unaddressed for more than a few weeks, chronic hand dermatitis may result, making treatment more difficult. The sooner your hands are evaluated, the sooner a proper course of action can be recommended which can help soothe the skin.

Whether you have eczema of the hands, scalp, or body there is one solution that may help you! Try Dr. Marder Total Relief TM Shampoo and Conditioner. It can be used to wash the body or scalp and is specially formulated with medication to provide your eczema with instant relief!