Hands rubbing relieves the itching

Rub instead of scratching itching of the hands

10/20/2011

Eczema on the hands often causes massive itching. Patients should never scratch their nails with their fingernails, puncture resulting blisters or peel off skin dandruff, as otherwise the symptoms may be further intensified, according to the latest communication from the German Dermatologists Association (BVDD) in Berlin.

Patients with itching on the hands can best alleviate the nagging scratching need by gently rubbing, tapping or massaging the affected areas of the skin, the experts at the German Dermatologists Association said. Anyone who scratches with their fingernails, punctures the small bubbles or peels off skin residue, on the other hand, risks worsening the eczema on their hands. In the worst-case scenario, chronic symptoms that can last for months are in danger, the experts warn.

Measures to relieve the itching
The causes of eczema on the hands can be of various kinds. Thus, diseases such as atopic dermatitis, disorders of the nervous system but also food intolerances or tumor disease come as a trigger of chronic itching into consideration. According to the experts, relief against the need for scratching, for example, can be achieved by applying short, damp envelopes for a short time. The envelopes should be soaked in black tea beforehand in order to successfully reduce the itching, explained the BVDD. Relaxation exercises and creative work for the hands, help those affected forget the itching, the experts explained. In order to avoid subconscious scratching during the night, the BVDD also recommends wearing cotton gloves. In addition, patients with chronic itching on their hands should only use lukewarm water for hand washing, according to the experts. In acute scratching need help rubbing, knocking or massaging the hands to reduce the often unbearable itching, said the professional association of dermatologists in Berlin.

Naturopathic treatment of itching
Intense itching can occur in various parts of the body, whereby the statement of the BVDD, that is to be advised against scratching with the fingernails, applies to the entire body. From a naturopathic point of view, various treatment options are available to relieve the symptoms, first the cause of the chronic itching must be determined to select a corresponding therapeutic approach. You can also read about possible uses of naturopathic treatments for itching: nettle rash, tingling in the limbs, anal itching, nipples itching and TCM therapy for atopic dermatitis. (Fp)

Picture: Andrea Damm