Eczema, relevantly a common skin ailment can affect both adults and children. At least half the patients who visit a dermatologist are known to be suffering from eczema. Also referred to as dermatitis, this inflammatory skin condition may appear as patches of dry or moist red skin, with itching and scratching. In its severe form there may be associated blisters and cracks which may bleed.
Eczematous rash is usually observed on knees, ankles, elbow, in palm and also on knuckles. Eczematous lesion can be graded into two varieties, contact dermatitis and atopic eczema.
Certain people have sensitive skin; it gets irritated when it comes in contact with certain materials which in other people may not be as damaging. For example sensitive people may develop eczema due to nylon and woolen clothing, detergents and chemicals, exposure to oils at workplace, cement, food irritants etc.
Atopic eczema affects people who have inherited allergic tendency. Atopic eczema is common in children while in adults it is often contact eczema.
What Causes Eczema On Knuckles?
Eczema on knuckles is not very common as compared to eczema on knees, ankles and face. People with eczematous lesions on knuckles may suffer from low self esteem as the area remains uncovered and visible.
Eczema also occurs due to dry skin, especially in areas such as knuckles. Your hands and knuckles are exposed to extreme cold and hot climate. Both factors rob away the natural moisture from the skin surface over knuckles. This makes a person vulnerable to inflammation and irritation of knuckles.
Aside from contact allergens, some people may also develop as a result of ingested allergen, especially fish, shellfish, nuts, and certain food additives.
The condition is more common in adults, especially men as compared to women. In women it can be called housewives hand eczema. A housewife’s hands constantly come in contact with detergents and cleaners while washing dishes and utensils. All this products contain chemicals that may be harmful to delicate skin if hands and knuckles. The skin tends to dry, rough and red particularly over knuckles. It may crack, become thick and itchy.
Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Eczema On Knuckles
Eczema on knuckles can remarkably improve if you take certain precautions. Also there are simple home remedies that may help to hasten the healing process and alleviate the symptoms.
- Since in most cases knuckle eczema is caused due to contact with irritants, find out the contact allergen and try to avoid it. Wear rubber gloves at your workplace while handling the irritant chemicals, oil and cement.
- Women should wear gloves while dish washing and doing other household chores which require use of chemicals and detergents. Once you keep away your hands from direct contact with the irritants it may take few weeks for the condition to subside.
- During winter months keep your hands and knuckles moist by using a good moisturizing cream. The best natural moisturizer is coconut oil or any other vegetable oil. It is also handy. Apply it several times in a day over knuckles.
- Apply cocoa butter over the area. It keeps the skin from drying out and it holds the water in. Apply it after you bathe or wash your hands with water.
- To alleviate itching apply aloe vera gel. Also, you can place a cloth dipped in ice cold milk. Keep on repeating if the cloth becomes dry. If the rash is oozing, apply calamine lotion.