Is your hand eczema flaring up? Needless to say, dealing with hand eczema is annoying and uncomfortable. We rely on our hands a lot during the day and having to put up with itching, cracks, blisters, and redness makes it challenging. In severe cases, the fingers can swell up which can be painful – especially if there’s also peeling and flaking. There are a few triggers that can cause a bad flare-up of hand eczema. One of them is stress.
In this post, we discuss the connection between stress and eczema on hands. We also explore:
- Symptoms of stress eczema on hands
- Ways to manage emotional wellbeing
- The best of scratch protection
- Soothing skincare for your hands
Read on to learn more about hand eczema and our favorite natural stress related eczema on hands treatment.
The Relationship between Eczema and Stress
Stress-induced eczema is real. In fact, stress is one of the most common eczema triggers out there. It can be difficult to manage because you may not realize you’re stressed or be able to regulate the stressful source. In addition, having to deal with eczema is equally stressful – which can cause a vicious cycle. That said, it’s important to try to understand where the stress is coming from and learn how to manage it in order to avoid outbreaks.
When the body is under stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol. Too much cortisol can dysregulate the immune system which can lead to inflammatory bodily response. In particular, stress is one of the main triggers of dyshidrotic eczema. This is a specific type of eczema that’s characterized by small, itchy blisters on the hand and feet.
Symptoms of Stress Eczema on Hands
Stress related eczema on hands can affect the palms and fingers. The skin may be red, swollen, tender to the touch, and inflamed. In some cases, tiny blisters may develop. These blisters are extremely itchy and usually filled with fluid. Scratching can cause the blisters to ooze which can make the skin more vulnerable to infection.
Ways to Manage Stress and Emotional Wellbeing
Here are some suggestions to help you manage stress and protect your emotional wellbeing:
Get a Good Night’s Sleep:
A proper sleep is an important part of overall wellbeing. You should aim to get between 7-8 hours a night. We know it can be hard to sleep when tossing and turning all night because of eczema. Moisturizing before bed, keeping your room cool and clean, and limiting the use of electronics before bed can help.
Practice Self Love:
Self love doesn’t have to mean a trip to the spa or an expensive gesture. It can be as simple as making the conscious effort to go to bed an hour earlier, drink enough water, or enjoy your favourite TV show. You deserve it.
Ask for Help:
If your life is overwhelmed by tasks and responsibilities, don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate. Clearing things off your plate can help manage stress levels and keep stress-related eczema on hands under control.
Skincare Treatments for your Hands
Unfortunately, hand eczema can become chronic if it is not properly looked after. This can make it challenging to button your clothes, use a phone, cook, or write. Here are some natural skincare products and eczema clothing you can try to soothe sensitive skin on your hands:
Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream
Find soothing relief with this wholesome oil-based moisturizer. Made with just 6 ingredients, it helps hydrate the skin without any burning or stinging. Perfect to use on itchy hands when you need it most.
Satya Eczema Cream Glide Stick
This pocket-sized stick is convenient to carry with you wherever you need it. With its non-stinging, fragrance-free formula, it’s safe for babies and adults alike. We love it because it contains anti-inflammatory colloidal oats which are helpful for soothing irritated skin.
Gentle Gloves:
These Remedywear gloves for adults and kids provide soothing relief while simultaneously protecting your hands from harmful scratching. Their zinc-infused fabric also helps boost the healing process. With their soft, breathable fabric, they truly fit like a second skin .
Start Healing your Hands Today
If you’re suffering from stress-related hand eczema, give these gentle remedies a try to start managing symptoms and healing your skin.
