Eczema is a condition that, irrespective of age and gender of the sufferer, can appear on almost any area of skin. It is not a contagious condition and in the majority of cases has some form of genetic link.

It can be recognized by any of the following symptoms; a dryness or redness of the skin, the skin swelling, blistering, flaking, cracking or in some cases bleeding. As well as these, occasionally a temporary skin discoloration might happen because of any lesions that might have already healed. However, scarring due to this condition is quite rare.

The hand condition is very common and affects roughly 10% of women and 4% of men. Apparently, it has been noted that the professions that work in an environment that is wet and humid tend to suffer the most. These include people who work as bartenders, mechanics, hairdressers, and dental workers.

Approximately 75% of all sufferers have the type known as contact dermatitis. This may be irritant or allergic and it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference.

The severity of this condition differs from one patient to another, but it usually starts with a mild dryness of the skin. In the beginning it manifests on and between the fingers and it can be very itchy and scaly. Like the other forms of this condition, over time, it can also develop into cracking, swelling and blistering. If it is not treated correctly and in time, it will most probably spread.

The repeated wetting and drying of hands is the most common cause. The three main situations that seem to develop the most are that if you suffered from the atopic form during childhood, if you have a history of asthma or hay fever, or if you have psoriasis. There are a few things that you can do to relieve the symptoms and hopefully get rid of the problem completely.

You will get a lot of very practical advice regarding how to ease any symptoms and you will find that your doctor could help you in selecting the best cream for your condition. One very basic piece of advice would be to stop doing any dish washing by hand, but if you must do take some precautions. Wear a pair of rubber gloves, preferably with a cotton liner of a pair of cotton gloves underneath. This will prevent you having any contact with either the water or detergent and the cotton will stop you sweating.

An eczema cure for this common juvenile skin condition provides relief from itching and irritation. Applying an eczema cream will soothe and heal the skin without leaving a greasy residue.