Eczema is one of the most discomforting, and painful skin disorders. Although, eczema can affect any part of the body such as the scalp, face, neck, chest, arms, genitals, legs, knees, feet, and fingers.
But more often, people complain about eczema on their hands the most. There could be several reasons behind such prevalence, such as working with chemicals, cement, detergent, or coming in contact with any allergen.
Under this condition, the best that can be done is to opt for home remedies for eczema on hands. But before proceeding to these remedies, it is relevant to know about hand eczema, its symptoms as well as its causes.
Hand Eczema
Eczema is a condition where the skin starts losing its power to protect itself from foreign harmful substances. As a result, the toxins tend to accumulate inside the body and make the skin inflamed, irritated, and painful.
When this disease primarily attacks the hands, then the condition is known as hands eczema. There could be various interrelated factors responsible for eczema such as allergic reaction, weakened immune system, poor diet, excessive intake of alcohol, or distress.
But there is nothing to worry about. You can easily manage the condition with Ayurvedic treatment for eczema.
What does it look like?
Dry, scaly, patchy, red, and cracked fingers, palms, and hands are the major complications of hand eczema. Sometimes red or dark brown patches also start arising on the hands or arms which is extremely discomforting to look at.
It is important to note that it is not confined to hands only, it can affect other body parts equivalently. Sometimes even blood or fluids start draining out of these patches when the skin is peeled or rubbed hard.
Ayurvedic treatment for hand eczema
Ayurveda believes that the aggravation of Pitta Dosha (fire and water) and Kapha Dosha (water and earth) is responsible for the occurrence of “Vicharchika.” In such conditions, the toxins are not eliminated from the body and cause problems such as acne, skin discoloration, patches, rashes, and inflammation.
A patient with hand eczema experiences difficulty while performing the regular activities of life such as eating, or bathing. The best that can be done for eczema is to hold the hands of Ayurveda!
Ayurveda is an ancient branch of medicine that treats disease from the root factors and restores the overall health of the human mind and body.
Home remedies for eczema on hands
One can make use of the following home remedies for getting relief from hand eczema.
Ayurveda Herbs for eczema
The use of herbs has been proven the most satisfactory manner for getting rid of eczema. Herbs are nature-derived substances that hold immense power to heal. Additionally, they are free from side effects which is a great relief to the patients at large. Below are the 3 top-most effective herbs for eczema along with their usage;
Neema (Azadirachta indica)
The herb has been used predominantly since ages for healing wounds, scars, and internal injuries. The effects of neem are antibiotic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial. It boosts the internal immunity of the body and prevents it from skin, digestive, and respiratory diseases.
Remedy
Firstly, take a handful of neem leaves and wash them. Add a few drops of water and crush these leaves with the help of a grindstone or mixer. A thick paste will be ready. The application of this herbal paste on the hands and other affected areas will surely reduce the symptoms of eczema.
Haridra (Curcuma longa)
The herb is admired as the panacea of several diseases due to its healing properties and harmonious nature. The herb is fully loaded with antioxidants, anti-microbial, and nourishing effects that promote the overall health of the skin.
Remedy
Take 2-3 spoons of haldi powder and mix 1 tsp of honey. The application of this herbal mixture will surely reduce skin issues such as itchiness, dryness, redness, and swelling. You can also add virgin coconut oil to this mixture for enhanced relief.
Aloe-vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
The herb is commonly used for beauty purposes but it can also be utilised for boosting skin health and glory. It is enriched in health-wellness agents such as lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamic acid, phenols, and sulphur which prohibits fungi, bacterial infections, and other harmful substances.
Remedy
Simply, do a gentle massage with aloe vera gel taken from aloe vera leaf. Make sure to clean the skin with water before doing a massage. Remember, the gel can be sticky at first, let it dry completely before getting dressed.
Dietary precautions
Ayurvedic treatment for eczema also emphasizes being conscious about diet. Poor diet intake can contribute to the complications of eczema to a great extent. It is highly advised to consume a healthy and nutrient diet consisting of vitamins, and other body-beneficial minerals.
Additionally, the consumption of junk, oily, processed, and non-vegetarian food should also be avoided. The intake of dairy products should also be stopped as they support bacterial growth inside the body.
Ointments application
Home remedies for hand eczema also include the application of herbal ointments orally. In eczema, the skin’s protective barrier gets weak and as a result patches, rashes, and scales start to arise on the skin.
In such a discomforting and painful condition, a patient can do a gentle massage with cow’s ghee, or almond milk. The soothing nature of these natural lotions will provide coolness to the skin and will also reduce rashes and inflammation.
Hygiene management
Ayurveda believes in the philosophy of “prevention is better than cure.” Thus it recommends maintaining hygiene so that diseases can be prevented as far as possible. Following are some hygiene tips that prohibit the occurrence of eczema as well as other skin diseases;
- Wash the hands often, especially after eating, and excreting.
- The application of chemical-based soaps, creams, and moisturisers should be restricted.
- Do not touch any harmful chemical, detergent, cement, or acidic substance directly with your hand. Make sure to wear gloves while using or touching these allergens.
- Use herbal products. The soaps of neem, chandana, haldi, and honey are best for the skin, whereas virgin Coconut oil, Lavender oil, Almond oil, or Tea tree are some natural oils that can be used for moisturising skin.
FAQ
What should I do to avoid hand eczema?
Patients with hand eczema should avoid touching or coming in contact with any chemicals, cement, detergent, or other harmful substances. Additionally, the consumption of oily, processed, and non-vegetarian items should also be restricted as they contribute to toxin accumulation inside the body.
Does coconut oil help treat eczema on hand?
Absolutely yes! The soothing nature of coconut oil provides moisture to the skin and prevents it from dryness, redness, and itchiness. A gentle massage with coconut oil or milk will reduce the rashes, patches, and swelling of the skin.
Is eczema 100% curable?
With all necessary dietary precautions and herbal treatments, eczema can be managed. It is vital to mention that it is not a one-time procedure to cure eczema completely. It requires proper commitment and effort toward significant changes in your daily diet and lifestyle.