Itchy Hands: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Itchy Hands
Intense itching can be a symptom of various skin conditions and other health issues. To determine the cause of itchy hands, it's crucial to consult a dermatologist. They are best equipped to diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.
Potential Causes of Itchy Hands
Many factors can cause itchy hands. A common cause is simply dry, dehydrated skin, particularly noticeable in winter due to cold temperatures and wind.
Other potential causes include:
- Contact dermatitis
- Hives (urticaria)
- Fungal infections (tinea manuum)
- Underlying medical conditions
- Parasitic infestations (e.g., scabies)
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Contact Dermatitis
This often affects individuals whose work exposes their hands to harsh chemicals or excessive moisture. Inflammation occurs at the point of contact, as the body attempts to isolate and neutralize the offending substance. Symptoms include: blisters, swelling, dry skin, redness, and potentially pain or burning. Intense itching is a particularly common symptom.
Hives (Urticaria)
Hives are usually caused by food allergies or hidden infections. Physical triggers, such as cold, water, or sunlight, can also cause hives. Characteristic raised welts appear on the skin, accompanied by significant itching.
Fungal Infections (Tinea Manuum)
This contagious skin condition is characterized by dry, scaly patches on the hands, sometimes with inflammation and blisters. The infection often affects the backs of the hands, appearing as fungal patches. Intense itching leads to scratching, which can spread the infection. The skin between the fingers may become swollen, greyish-white, and cracked, with easily scraped scales revealing underlying erosion. A distinguishing feature is a white border around cracks, which may be moist and swollen.
Underlying Medical Conditions
While less common, itchy hands can sometimes be a symptom of liver or pancreas disease, leading to elevated bilirubin levels and potentially jaundice. For example, cirrhosis can cause redness and warmth on the hands, along with thickened nails. Skin manifestations of pancreatic disease vary, including migratory erythema, purpura, and itching. Itchy hands could be a warning sign from your pancreas, especially with active inflammation.
Parasitic Infestations (e.g., Scabies)
Scabies has an incubation period of about three weeks. The first symptom is usually intense, localized itching, worsening at night. A red, bumpy rash appears on the hands.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
This allergic condition often begins in childhood. Sufferers experience various intolerances, elevated IgE levels, and a tendency towards skin reactions to allergens. Red, irritated, rough, dry skin, rashes, and blisters appear on various parts of the body, including the hands, accompanied by intense itching.
Determining the Cause of Itchy Hands
To determine the cause of itchy hands, note any additional symptoms such as rashes, blisters, finger itching, hives, or redness. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Appropriate skincare with suitable dermocosmetics based on natural active ingredients is also important.
Atopicin: Dermocosmetics for Itchy Hands and Atopic Dermatitis
Atopicin offers a range of high-quality emollient dermocosmetics for the care of atopic and irritated skin. Three sets are available: for washing, body, and face. Products can also be purchased individually.
Atopicin Product Highlights:
- Body Wash: Suitable for daily use, even on extremely dry skin. Rich in natural moisturizing and nourishing substances. Soothes irritation without damaging the skin's hydrolipidic barrier.
- Dry Skin Ointment: Reduces irritation and scaling. Excellent for moisturizing and nourishing even very dry, allergy-prone, itchy, and atopic skin.
- Nourishing Body Balm: Contains urea and shea butter, providing antiseptic action. Quickly relieves irritation, itching, and burning.
- Night Face Cream: Rich in butters, extracts, and oils. Intensively nourishes, moisturizes, and normalizes skin cleansing and regeneration processes.
- Under-Eye and Eyelid Cream: Contains valuable all-round ingredients. Can be used frequently, day and night. Relieves dryness and irritation while deeply moisturizing.
- Facial Cleansing Oil: Contains oils and vitamin E, providing excellent moisturizing and care. Binds with water for thorough cleansing, removing sebum, toxins, and dead skin cells.
- Day Face Cream: Contains panthenol and bisabolol for rapid relief of irritated skin. Easily spreads and absorbs quickly. Soothes inflammation and other symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
- Shampoo: Rich in allantoin and urea, restoring skin and hair balance, retaining moisture for softness and smoothness.
Summary
Itchy hands can have many causes. Consult a dermatologist or GP for diagnosis and treatment. Follow your doctor's recommendations carefully. Proper skincare is essential.
Looking for Atopic Dermatitis Cosmetics?
Browse our Atopic Dermatitis category.
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