HAND DERMATITIS - (AFFECTS THE HANDS AND FEET ONLY)
Hand dermatitis varies in severity. It may affect the backs of the hands, the palms or both sites. Often it starts as a mild intermittent complaint, but it can become increasingly severe and persistent. The affected skin initially becomes red and dry, then progresses to itchy papules (bumps) and fluid-filled blisters, scaling, cracking, weeping and swelling. Bacterial infection can result in pustules, crusting and pain. Longstanding dermatitis at the ends of the fingers may result in deformed nails. Hand dermatitis can spread to affect other sites, particularly the forearms and feet.Classic causes are :
Stress
Chemical Irritants- This category can be vast as your hands come into contact with numerous chemical irritants on a daily basis. This can be latex, cement, nail glues, soaps, dyes etc...
EFA's deficient- A serious deficiency in Essential Fatty Acids
Metal toxicity - An external metal toxicity i.e. Nickel and internal metal imbalances i.e. Copper
Secondary bacterial infection
Treatment Options:
Stress plays a major role, although not a cause it is a definite factor. This was commonly seen in thousands of combat troops who after the 2nd world war returned home with eczema of the hands.
Try to determine if there is anything that your hands may be coming into contact with that is "toxic". Start with the more severe items like chemicals, plastics. For example many women wear false nails. Many of the glues and chemicals that go into the making of these products are not suitable for long term use. Or the use of acetone to remove false nails.
If your diet is constantly looking for "low fat" products and your diet comprises little fat especially olive and fish oils, this is an area you should seriously consider changing.
Internal metal toxicity is difficult to test for as the smallest amounts are difficult to detect but can cause havoc with your health. Research has shown a strong correlation between copper deficiencies in the skin mantle of eczema patients. Supplementing with copper can be dangerous as we require very small amounts, but it is better to determine what is causing the imbalance i.e. too high a level of another metal.
Rule out secondary bacterial infections, especially if you have open cuts and sores. An excellent way to contain this is by applying colloidal silver using a spray bottle.
Treatment
Use a non petrochemical based emollient to help with the dry and itchy skin.
Only wash with a natural soap that has no chemical or perfume additives for example the Dermaphend Liquid Soap (other soaps will further irritate the skin)
Supplements:
Supplement with Omega-3 and GLA (gamma lipoic acid).
The only Omega-3 we recommend is one derived from fish.
Cod liver oil is also an excellent choice.
An excellent metal detoxifier called
Chlorella, should also be considered