Choosing the Best Hand Cream for Contact Dermatitis (5 Great Tips)
Contact dermatitis is defined as a skin condition, causing a discomforting sensation, resulted after the skin contacts allergenic substances. Two frequently met forms, or contact dermatitis, are distinguished: irritant and allergic.
The contact dermatitis treatment can be, usually, implemented at home. However, in scenarios involving severe symptoms, the opinion of a specialist is needed, since this skin condition can mix up with other external factors and may lead to serious injuries.
The initial phase of the treatment is made up of two parts: avoiding contact with causal substances and using proper hand cream. The best hand cream for contact dermatitis shall mandatory contain antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Not everybody develops allergic reactions, but you can damage your skin by using abusively harmful substances or by having a poor hand care routine.
Irritant versus Allergic Contact Dermatitis
In the event of irritant contact dermatitis, repetitive exposure to powerful irritants, same as acids, bases, can lead to red spots, erosions, and ulcers, on the skin, in several minutes or hours.
For less powerful substances, like soap or detergents, repetitive contact over long periods, of several weeks, is required to develop this type of dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis is characterized as a skin’s reaction to an allergen to which it was previously exposed and as a result, is sensitized or allergic. Normally, the skin does not react to the first exposure. The first signs and symptoms occur at the second exposure or after several exposures over the years.
Causal Factors
Allergic contact dermatitis is similar, in symptoms, with the irritant contact dermatitis, but, despite this similarities, the causes are different. For allergic contact dermatitis, the cause is an allergic reaction to a particular substance with which the skin comes into contact.
Allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to commonly used substances like:
- cosmetic products
- anti-acne medications
- laundry detergent
- rubber
- pollen
- antibiotics
- elastic and adhesives
Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by any substance in high concentration (the irritant), which may damage the skin together with certain favorable factors, such as:
- the concentration of the substance
- duration of exposure
- skin sensitivity
- other pathological conditions like atopic dermatitis, heat, and humidity
Examples of irritants:
- strong alkaline soaps
- industrial solvents
- pesticides
- detergents
- cement
- disinfectants
- oils
The 5 Best Hand Cream for Contact Dermatitis
The first step of the treatment is to roughly wash the affected area with a delicate soap to remove any trace of the substance that causes the allergic reaction. Identifying and avoiding the trigger factor are the next steps.
Once you know the trigger factor and you can avoid it, the last remaining step, within your contact dermatitis cure, is applying a hand cream, lotion or gel specially designed to treat this skin condition.
1. Kirkland Signature Maximum Strength Hydrocortisone Cream
For irritant contact dermatitis the first cream to look for should be a hydrocortisone-based cream or lotion. Available without any prescription, in various concentrations, these products soothe itching and swelling.
The proper concentration, for severe contact dermatitis, is 1% hydrocortisone. Application of ointments or cream on hands should take place 3-4 times a day.
Aloe Vera is generally used in the treatment of dermatitis. It helps in restoring the PH of the skin and revealing its itchiness and irritation. The gel highly contributes to the skin’s hydration and protects it from further infections’ development due to antimicrobial properties.
2. CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
Creams with cortisone contain strong anti-inflammatory substances similar to the hormones that our body produces in its struggle to adapt to various types of stress – inflammatory stress, infectious stress, immunological stress.
Like any other medicine, these types of anti-inflammatory drugs may have side effects, in some cases, so testing is advisable.
These creams may affect the elasticity of the skin when used in high doses and prolonged time. Elastic fibers are destroyed leading a parchment-like skin texture. In addition, skin infections can appear more easily, the side effects causing less resistance to bacteria.
3. Puriya Cream for Dermatitis and Rashes
If you are afraid of the cortisone’s side effects, you can always opt for organic creams, which possess the same healing effects if they contain proper ingredients. Several ingredients are well-known for proven benefits in case of dermatitis.
For example, the honey can help reduce the inflammatory condition of the skin. It also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, keeping further infections away.
One of the top ingredients used to treat dermatitis is vitamin E oil. This oil promotes healing and counteracts itching and inflammation.
The chamomile provides a calming effect on the affected skin, reducing shallowness. Shea Butter is used as a base for dermatitis ointments, because of its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.
4. Cortizone-10 Plus Ultra Moisturizing Cream
Another efficient trio, well-known for treating contact dermatitis, is created by the mixture of 1% cortisone, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin A.
Vitamin A has the role of protecting the skin and maintaining the cells’ integrity, while Aloe Vera acts as an anti-inflammatory, slowing down the evolution of dermatitis by preventing the development of further bacteria and, therefore, additional infections.
It is important to test the cream before starting to use it. Since the contact dermatitis affects the sensitivity of your skin, you might develop allergies to other components within the treatment.
5. Era Organics Psoriasis & Eczema Cream
Restoring skin’s natural balance and PH is boosting its healing and prevents the appearance of contact dermatitis. To prevent skin cracking, make sure you use a cream having a powerful hydrating ingredient.
One desired ingredient is hemp seed oil, providing an effective manner to get a moist, soft skin due to its high emollient content.
Hemp seed oil reduces the swelling induced by the contact dermatitis. This is due to its balanced composition of Omega-3 and Omega-6. These essential fatty acids are necessary for our health and are responsible for the skin’s natural glow.
Final Thoughts
Like many other skin conditions, contact dermatitis can be prevented by following several simple rules: avoiding contact with the allergens, wearing gloves when coming into contact with allergenic substances, gentle hand cleansing along with using humectant and emollient ointments.