Q After the blisters dry, my hands crack badly, feel tight, and hurt. How should I moisturize and care for my hands?
A During the cracking phase after the blisters dry, moisturizing is most important. Right after washing your hands while moisture remains, apply plenty of a low-irritant cream or ointment free of fragrance and preservatives. When working with water and detergent, wear gloves, and wash briefly with lukewarm water instead of hot water to protect the oil film of your hands.
Detailed Answer
Dyshidrotic eczema alternates between a blistering phase and a dry, cracking phase. After the blisters dry, the skin flakes and cracks, so moisturizing is key. Right after washing or working, gently pat the moisture dry and immediately apply moisturizer so that water is locked in and the barrier is protected. Use low-irritant products free of fragrance, alcohol, and preservatives; for cracking areas, cream or ointment types are better than lotion. Wearing gloves during water and detergent work and washing briefly with lukewarm water are also important.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Dongjedang views hands that dry and crack easily as a signal of depleted fluids. The blood-deficiency wind-dryness (hyeolheo-pungjo) type, in which the skin thickens and flakes, is representative. In this case we use blood-tonifying, dryness-moistening (boyhyeol yunjo) herbal medicine that replenishes blood and nourishes and regenerates the skin. When you apply moisturizer externally while replenishing fluids internally, the moisture-holding capacity recovers fundamentally.
Related FAQs
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Q
I've had dyshidrotic eczema for over 10 years that flares on both palms and soles. Can even this improve with Korean medicine treatment?
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I had atopic dermatitis as a child. Is that why I get dyshidrotic eczema easily? Do other skin allergies come along with it too?
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I usually have poor digestion and a bloated, heavy stomach. Is the state of my stomach related to the blisters on my hands?
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At night my hands and feet itch so much that when I scratch, the blisters burst and I can't sleep. What should I do when it itches?
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I'm going to a Korean medicine clinic for dyshidrotic eczema. What symptoms mean I should go to a hospital or emergency room immediately?
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