Understanding Eczema and How to Care for Your Hands
Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by itchy, red, dry skin that can appear on any part of the body. However, eczema on the hands, known as hand eczema, can be particularly troublesome. Hand eczema can range from mild to severe and cause symptoms like cracked, flaky and peeling skin, swelling, blisters, and red rashes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, handwashing and disinfecting our hands frequently is crucial. But for those with hand eczema, all that washing can worsen symptoms. So how can you keep your hands clean without aggravating your eczema?
Causes of Hand Eczema
Hand eczema can be triggered by a number of factors, including:
- Frequent handwashing or contact with water
- Use of harsh soaps, sanitizers, and detergents
- Cold, dry weather
- Allergies to metals, fragrances, rubber gloves, etc.
- Stress and hormonal changes
- Airborne irritants like dust or pollutants
For some, hand eczema is linked to their career or hobbies. Frequent handwashing, exposure to chemicals, or contact with allergens can cause occupational hand eczema. Gardening, home repairs, cooking, cleaning, healthcare work, and hairdressing are examples of occupations that may put you at higher risk.
Best Practices for Caring for Eczema Prone Skin
While living with hand eczema can be frustrating, there are things you can do to manage symptoms:
1. Moisturize Often
Dry, flaky skin is common with hand eczema. Apply an oil-based moisturizer like petroleum jelly after each hand wash. Occlusive moisturizers that contain oils and waxes seal in moisture best. Look for products with ceramides, which help repair the skin barrier.
2. Avoid Irritants
Steer clear of products with ingredients that often cause eczema flares, like fragrances, lanolin, and propylene glycol. Wear gloves when washing dishes, cleaning, or gardening to limit exposure to household irritants.
3. Use Mild Cleansers
Harsh soaps and antibacterial products strip away natural oils. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. Wash hands with lukewarm water for 5-10 seconds.
4. Take Short, Lukewarm Showers
Long hot showers remove the skin's natural moisturizing oils. Stick to 5-10 minute lukewarm showers or baths and apply moisturizer immediately after.
5. Wear Gloves
Wear cotton or vinyl gloves for household chores involving water or chemicals. Change gloves frequently if they get damp inside. At night, apply moisturizer and wear cotton gloves to help the cream absorb.
Using Dettol on Eczema Prone Skin
During cold and flu season, cleaning and disinfecting your hands and home frequently is important. But which products are safe for eczema prone skin?
Dettol is a trusted brand when it comes to disinfectants and sanitizing products. Their soaps, surface cleaners, hand sanitizers and more can help kill germs and bacteria. But how well do they work for those with sensitive or eczema prone skin?
Key Ingredients in Dettol Products
When reviewing a product for eczema, check the ingredients list. Two of the main active ingredients found in Dettol products are:
Chloroxylenol
This antiseptic ingredient has disinfectant and germ killing properties. Some research indicates it may be less drying and irritating than other antibacterial chemicals.
Benzalkonium Chloride
A commonly used disinfectant and preservative. For some, it can cause skin irritation at higher concentrations.
Always patch test new products before widespread use. Try them first on a small area for a few days to check for any reaction.
Dettol Liquid Handwash
Dettol liquid hand wash contains chloroxylenol. It comes in original, Skincare, and Sensitive variants. The Sensitive formula contains soothing aloe vera and claims to be "kind to skin." It's free of soap, parabens, MIT, and triclosan.
Follow up handwashing with a moisturizer. While likely gentler than typical antibacterial washes, frequent use could still dry out eczema prone skin. Use a gentle cleanser on days when hands aren't visibly dirty.
Dettol Hand Sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be very drying for eczema hands. Dettol's hand sanitizer contains the antiseptic ingredient benzalkonium chloride instead of alcohol. This may make it less irritating. However, always follow up with moisturizer after each use.
Dettol Surface Cleaners
Dettol surface cleaners and sprays also contain benzalkonium chloride. Take care if spraying directly onto the skin - the chemicals could aggravate eczema. Wear gloves when cleaning. Wash hands after with a gentle cleanser, not just water.
Dettol Soap
Dettol bar soap contains chloroxylenol to disinfect and clean hands. Bar soaps can be quite drying and stripping for eczema skin. Use sparingly and follow each use with moisturizer. Liquid handwash is likely a gentler option for regular use.
Other Tips for Living with Eczema
In addition to vigilant moisturizing and using gentle products, the following tips can help minimize eczema flares:
Keep Stress Levels Low
Stress signals the body to release inflammatory chemicals that may worsen eczema. Try relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing when feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Moisturize After Bathing
Apply thick moisturizer or petroleum jelly while skin is still damp after bathing or showering. This helps trap in moisture.
Use a Humidifier
Run a humidifier at home and at work to add moisture back into dry indoor air, especially in cold winter months.
Wear Gloves for Wet Work
Exposure to water can cause eczema flares for some people. Wear waterproof gloves when washing dishes, cleaning, or gardening.
Watch For Triggers
Figure out your unique eczema triggers and try to minimize exposure. Common irritants include certain fabrics, fragrances, metals, foods, and environmental or seasonal allergens.
Treat Skin Gently
Avoid harsh scrubbing of the skin which can worsen dryness. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. Take short, lukewarm showers.
See a Dermatologist
For moderate to severe eczema, prescription creams or medications may be necessary. A dermatologist can help diagnose triggers and find the right treatments.
The Takeaway
Caring for eczema prone hands requires diligent skincare and avoiding triggers. When sanitizing and disinfecting, Dettol products may be less irritating than typical antibacterial soaps and alcohol sanitizers. However, those with eczema should still take precautions like moisturizing after use and wearing gloves.
Implementing lifestyle changes, moisturizing frequently, identifying unique triggers, and using the gentlest products can help keep eczema under control day-to-day. With proper care, those with eczema can keep hands clean and healthy.
FAQs
Can I use Dettol products if I have eczema?
Yes, you can use Dettol products if you have eczema. However, some ingredients like benzalkonium chloride may irritate sensitive skin. Do a patch test before regular use. Always moisturize after using Dettol soaps or sanitizers to prevent dryness.
What is the best Dettol product for eczema hands?
The Dettol Sensitive hand wash or liquid hand soap may be gentlest for eczema prone skin. Avoid heavily scented and antimicrobial versions. Follow up handwashing with moisturizer to prevent drying.
Should I use Dettol hand sanitizer if I have eczema?
Dettol hand sanitizers contain benzalkonium chloride instead of alcohol, so they may be less drying than typical sanitizers. However, always apply moisturizer after each use, as frequent application can still dehydrate skin.
Can I use Dettol bar soap if I have eczema?
Dettol bar soap contains chloroxylenol and can be quite drying. It's best to avoid bar soaps if you have eczema. Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free liquid hand wash instead and always follow up with moisturizer.
Should I use Dettol surface sprays if I have eczema?
Avoid spraying Dettol surface cleaners directly on bare skin, as the chemicals may irritate. Wear gloves when cleaning with Dettol products. Wash hands after cleaning using a gentle cleanser, not just water.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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