The irritation on your skin that gives you the urge to scratch is itching or pruritus. Itchy skin is mainly caused by dry skin, primarily affecting older adults. This is because the skin gets dry as people age. Itchy skin results from different causes, and it may appear like normal skin or get inflamed with bumps. Chronic itching leads to frequent scratching, which may cause the area to swell and bleed or get infected.
Severe itchy hands can be uncomfortable and leave you wondering if it’s psoriasis on your nails. You can find ways to relieve it using self-care measures like moisturizers, lukewarm baths, and gentle cleansers. However, you can opt for long-term relief by identifying the cause and getting personalized treatment for the itchy skin. Some common treatments for the condition are oral medications, medicated creams, anti-itch medicines, or moist dressings.
Potential Causes of Itchy Hands
Itchy hands are annoying and can result from dry skin or irritant contact. If the itch persists, an underlying condition might need attention. Here are some potential causes of itchy hands and suggestions for finding relief.
Dry Skin (Xerosis)
Dry skin is the number one culprit behind itchy hands. When the skin lacks moisture, it gets dry, becoming flaky, cracked, and susceptible to itchiness. Some factors influence the situation, like excessive washing of hands, cold weather, low humidity, or harsh soaps.
Contact Dermatitis
You get contact dermatitis when the skin reacts to specific substances or allergens. If your itchy hands are from contact dermatitis, they are red with a rash or blisters. The most popular triggers include harsh soaps or detergents, cosmetics, some metals like nickel, and fabrics.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis, AD)
Eczema is a chronic condition marked by scaly, inflamed, itchy skin with red or purple rashes. The condition can affect the entire body and tends to flare up in response to triggers like high-stress levels, irritants, or allergens.
The condition can be mild, moderate, or severe, and in the worst scenario, fingernails are affected significantly. Nail eczema is how eczema impacts your fingernails. But, you can manage the condition using home remedies like frequent application of moisturizers, bathing with lukewarm water, and patting the skin to dry.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes the skin cells to build up rapidly. The thick skin then results in dryness, itchiness, and scaly patches. When psoriasis affects the hands, it can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities.
A free image from Unsplash of someone washing hands.
How to Identify Underlying Conditions When You Have Itchy Hands
Itchy hands have different causes, sometimes resulting from other underlying conditions. But how do you determine if you have deeper issues? You need to identify the signs below to get effective treatment for the underlying condition.
Duration and Persistence
If your itchy hands last for an extended period despite using over-the-counter medications and home remedies, it’s a sign of an underlying condition. However, a little itchiness that subsides on its own can be due to external factors like dryness. But if the itchiness persists or recurs, the symptoms require further investigation and proper treatment.
Additional Symptoms
You must pay attention to additional signs of itchy hands, like redness, inflammation, or thick skin. These signs could signal a possible skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis.
Triggers and Patterns
It’s wise to track when your hands itch the most to identify the triggers for effective treatment. For instance, you have contact dermatitis if you experience itchy hands after using a specific product or contact with particular materials.
Seeking Relief and Treatment
For you to find, relief for your itchy hands depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Here are some general tips to soothe itchy hands. However, you need to seek medical attention if you get no relief:
- Moisturize Regularly – Suppose your itchy hands result from dry skin; apply a moisturizer that’s fragrance-free regularly. Select thicker creams or ointments that create a protective barrier on the skin and lock in moisture for protection.
- Avoid Irritants – If your hands itch after contacting certain substances, you are the culprit of contact dermatitis. To manage the situation, you must avoid such substances and use gentle alternatives or wear protective gloves to prevent contact.
- Seek Medical Advice – when itchy hands occur due to dry skin or contact with irritants, it’s easy to control the condition with home remedies. However, sometimes home remedies and over-the-counter treatments may not alleviate your symptoms. Therefore, you need to seek medical advice to treat your condition effectively. A professional dermatologist will diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment prescription creams, light therapy, or oral medications.
- Manage Stress – Stress can worsen some skin conditions like eczema. Therefore, you must incorporate stress management techniques to help alleviate your symptoms. Some activities you can engage in include practicing yoga, enjoying your hobbies to unwind, and meditating often.
Conclusion
While itchy hands may be a minor concern, persistence or severe itchiness could indicate underlying problems that need more attention. You can manage the condition by understanding the common causes of itchy hands, identifying symptoms, and seeking relief. If home remedies don’t work, seek medical advice for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
