Excessive Hand Washing Leads to Eczema: Studies and Remedies
Article Title: Managing Eczema: Preventing Triggers and Effective Treatment
In the world of skincare, eczema remains a common and often challenging condition to manage. This article aims to shed light on the causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies for eczema, with a particular focus on the impact of hand washing on its development and treatment.
Overwashing Hands and Eczema: A Potential Cause for Concern
Excessive hand washing, especially with harsh soaps or soap containing irritating ingredients, can lead to contact dermatitis - a form of eczema characterised by itchy, flaky, and inflamed skin. This condition arises primarily by causing skin irritation, dryness, and damage to the skin barrier[1][2][3][4].
Key effects of overwashing related to eczema development and treatment include:
- Skin barrier disruption: Excessive washing removes natural oils, making the skin dry and more vulnerable to irritants and allergens, which can provoke eczema flare-ups[1][4][5].
- Irritation from soaps and cleansers: Many soaps contain ingredients that can aggravate or trigger eczema symptoms by irritating sensitive skin[1][3][4][5].
- Increased risk of contact dermatitis: This is common in people who wash hands excessively, especially healthcare workers, and it presents with redness, itching, and scaling[2][4].
Managing Eczema Caused by Overwashing
To manage and prevent eczema aggravated by overwashing, recommended strategies are:
- Use mild, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soaps or non-soap cleansers to reduce irritation[4][5].
- Limit hand washing frequency to what is necessary for hygiene.
- Moisturize immediately after washing with fragrance-free moisturizers to restore the skin barrier[5].
- Wear protective gloves when working with chemicals or when hands are frequently wet[4].
- Avoid hot water and harsh scrubbing when washing hands[5].
Beyond Hand Washing: Understanding and Managing Eczema
Eczema is a group of long-lasting skin conditions that can affect any part of the body and may lead to recurring infections. It can cause skin redness, inflammation, irritation, and dark brown, purple, or gray patches on dark skin[6].
A healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, can help develop a treatment plan for eczema. This may include topical medications like corticosteroids, crisaborole ointment, pimecrolimus cream, tacrolimus ointment, tapinarof cream, and coal tar, as well as biologic drugs such as dupilumab (Dupixent) and tralokinumab-ldrm, and oral Janus kinase inhibitors such as abrocitinib and upadacitinib (Rinvoq)[7].
Topical calcineurin inhibitors may help reduce the presence of certain bacteria on the skin and prevent infections. Various types of eczema, such as neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, and atopic dermatitis, have distinct characteristics and require specific management strategies[6].
In summary, while hand washing is important for hygiene, excessive hand washing can trigger or worsen eczema due to skin dryness and irritation, requiring careful skin care and appropriate moisturizing to manage symptoms effectively[1][2][3][4][5]. It is crucial to understand the triggers and symptoms of eczema and to consult a healthcare professional for effective management and treatment.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4568099/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6193777/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5819924/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6151319/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470322/ [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6848597/
- Hand washing, especially with harsh soaps, can lead to skin issues such as contact dermatitis, a form of eczema, by stripping natural oils from the skin.
- Skin seekers and switchers must be mindful of the soaps they use, opting for mild, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic options to minimize irritation.
- Dermatology professionals often recommend limiting hand washing frequency and moisturizing immediately after to help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
- The impact of hand washing on eczema can be sensitive and should be considered carefully, as it can exacerbate existing conditions or trigger new ones.
- Eczema is more than just a skincare issue; it is a group of chronic medical-conditions that require careful management and treatment, often under the guidance of healthcare personnel.
- Healthcare and handwashing ads should aim to educate the public about the importance of proper hand washing while also highlighting the potential risks of overwashing for those with sensitive skin or existing eczema conditions.
- Skin-care enthusiasts should seek out gentle, non-irritating products to maintain their skin's health and avoid triggering eczema flare-ups.
- Proper hand hygiene is essential, but it is equally crucial for hand-washing entity to promote the use of gentle soaps and appropriate moisturization practices to protect sensitive skin.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, eczema management is a dual approach of preventing triggers like excessive hand washing and seeking effective treatment, which may involve topical medications, biologic drugs, or oral Janus kinase inhibitors, as prescribed by a dermatologist.
