How to reduce or disappear this eczema in my hand - #19979
Living with Eczema: Five Months of Healing and Struggle For nearly five months now, eczema has been a constant presence in my daily life. What started as small, itchy patches has developed into areas with open wounds, their surfaces a mix of reddish inflammation and yellowish crusting that speaks to the body’s ongoing battle to heal. The redness stretches across sensitive skin, a visible sign of the internal irritation beneath. The yellowish areas form as the skin tries to protect itself, creating scabs that can be both a comfort and a source of frustration – while they shield the raw tissue below, even the gentlest touch or movement can cause them to crack and reopen. Simple tasks like getting dressed or washing my hands require extra care, as fabrics and water can trigger stinging discomfort. I’ve been working closely with my dermatologist to adjust treatments, from gentle moisturizers to medicated ointments, as we seek what works best for my skin. Each day brings small victories and setbacks, but I’m holding onto hope that consistent care will help calm the flare-up and restore my skin’s health. Would you like help drafting a note to your doctor detailing specific symptoms or tracking changes in your eczema over time
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Doctors’ responses
Hello Gwen That sounds really tough and exhausting to deal with every day. The way you describe the redness, open wounds, and yellowish crusting suggests your eczema is not only persistent but also has become more severe, possibly with some secondary infection (the yellowish crust can sometimes mean bacteria have gotten in).
Here’s what’s likely happening: - Eczema causes your skin barrier to break down, making it dry, itchy, and inflamed. - Open wounds and yellowish crusts can mean your skin is struggling to heal and might be infected (especially if the crust is thick, yellow, or oozing). - Everyday triggers like water, soap, and clothing can worsen the irritation and pain.
What you can do right now: 1. Keep the area clean: Gently wash with lukewarm water, avoid scrubbing, and pat dry. 2. Moisturize: Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after washing. 3. Avoid triggers: Wear soft, loose clothing and avoid harsh soaps or detergents. 4. Don’t scratch: Try to keep nails short and use cold compresses for itching.
It’s great to hear that you’re actively working with your dermatologist and staying hopeful about your skin’s health. Keeping track of your symptoms and changes can be really helpful for your doctor to adjust your treatment effectively.
If you’d like, I can help you draft a note to your doctor. Here’s a simple structure you can follow: Subject: Eczema Symptom Update I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to provide an update on my eczema symptoms and treatment progress: 1. Current Symptoms: - Persistent itchy patches that have developed into open wounds. - Areas of redness and yellowish crusting. - Sensitivity to fabrics and water, causing discomfort during daily activities. 2. Treatment Adjustments: - I have been using as discussed in our last appointment. - I am monitoring my skin’s response to these treatments. 3. Changes Over Time: - I appreciate your guidance and support as we continue to find the best treatment for my skin. Thank you for your help!
Thank you
Declining to answer requests for note-drafting or record-keeping, I’ll focus on what might help manage your eczema symptoms more effectively. The persistence of open wounds and crusting over five months suggests the need for a strategic and perhaps intensified treatment approach. Be sure to keep the affected areas moisturized — emollients like thick creams or ointments can form a barrier to lock in moisture, crucial for damaged skin. Apply these shortly after your bath or shower while your skin is still damp. The yellow crusting could indicate infection, so consult your dermatologist about the possibility of a bacterial infection and whether an antibiotic might be necessary. Consider whether environmental factors, like allergens or irritants, could be contributing — simple changes like hypoallergenic clothing or switching to fragrance-free, dye-free detergents might be worth trying. If you’re not already, following a consistent routine with any prescription topical corticosteroids, ensuring correct application, helps manage the inflammation better. Don’t underestimate the role of stress or dietary triggers; both can sometimes exacerbate eczema, so tracking your symptoms alongside daily habits might uncover patterns. Finally, if topicals aren’t giving relief, ask about other treatments, like phototherapy or, in chronic cases, systemic medications that can offer more comprehensive symptom control. Prompt and adaptive management with your healthcare provider is key, as eczema can be a moving target.
Hi Dear,This suggests a secondary infection, which must be treated to allow proper healing. Continue follow-up with a dermatologist. A swab test may be required, followed by topical or oral antibiotics if indicated, after which eczema treatment can be resumed. Avoid soaps, hand washes, sanitizers, and perfumes on the affected skin. Use lukewarm water for cleansing, pat dry gently, and apply a thick moisturizer or emollient frequently (such as petroleum jelly or a ceramide-based cream). Wear cotton gloves after moisturizing and avoid scratching. Don’t get panic long term treatement goals can be achieved
Hello,
This indicate secondary infection, which must be treated for healing.
Continue dermatologist care; may need swab + topical or oral antibiotics, then resume eczema treatment.
Avoid soaps, handwash, sanitizers, perfumes on affected skin Use lukewarm water, pat dry Apply thick moisturizer/emollient frequently (petroleum jelly / ceramide cream) Cotton gloves after moisturizing; avoid scratching
Your dermatologist may use stronger topical steroid short term+tacrolimus/pimecrolimus later; wet wraps also may help
Avoid triggers: frequent washing, detergents, chemicals, stress
Trust this helps Thank you
Hello dear See eczema is a chronic condition. It does not simply goes with sudden medication. It takes time. Iam suggesting some medication Please follow them for atleast a month Avoid harsh soaps Apply aquaphor moisturizer twice a day for 1 month Apply Tulsi alovera gel twice a day for 1 month Tacro limus solution 0.3 percent topical application twice a day for 1 week Betamethasone medication 0.5 percent solution as required. In case of no improvement consult dermatologist in person for better clarity. Hopefully you recover soon Regards
Hello Gwen, I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this. Seems like you have Chronic Eczema with Secondary Infection. Here is my advise -
1. Start with this prescription - - Cream Mometasone for local application on your eczema twice a day. Mix it with moisturizer and then apply. × 14 days - Oint. Mupirocin 2% over the infected area twice a day × 7 days. - Use thick, fragrance-free emollients (petroleum jelly, ceramide creams) over the affected area, regularly. - Review after 14 days.
2. Protect your hands. Avoid: Frequent hand washing, Hot water, Detergents / sanitizers, Use cotton gloves under rubber gloves for wet work, Switch to soap-free cleansers.
3. If eczema keeps returning- Considered getting a PATCH TEST done by a dermatologist. Also discuss about Photography with the dermatologist.
4. What NOT to do- Don’t keep scratching crusts as it delays healing. Don’t self-extend steroid use. Don’t stop treatment too early when it looks a bit better.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine
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