Excessive Handwashing Has Resulted in Significant Rise in Hand Eczema Among Senior Citizens

Find out why there is an increase in hand eczema among senior citizens over the last few months and the ways of preventing it. 

A considerable increase in hand eczema - a non-communicable inflammation of the skin of the hands, has turned out to be one of the unwarranted health issues affecting many senior citizens. Hand Eczema is a highly visible condition accompanied by severe pain and itching and may come with significant psychological impact. Dr. Vijaya Gowri Bandaru, visiting consultant dermatologist at Sakra World Hospital, Bangalore says she has observed about 50 per cent increase in hand eczema cases among the elderly who visit the hospital in the last few months.

The reason is increased use of hand sanitiser following the widespread advisory on hand hygiene to prevent the spread of Covid-19. "Excessive use of alcohol-based sanitisers makes the skin of the hands dry and drier, resulting in rashes, red spots, scaly skin and blisters, especially at the back of the hands," says Dr Bandaru.

Steady rise among seniors during the lockdown

According to Dr Sravya C Tipirneni, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at Columbia Asia Hospital, Whitefield, Bangalore, people above 60 have decreased water content in their cells and are more prone to eczemas unless they replenish the water content regularly. As a result, mature skin loses integrity and moisture in it compared to that they had when they were younger. The Covid-19 outbreak and emphasis on frequent handwashing have now become prominent factors behind the rapid rise in hand eczema among seniors.

Dr Tipirneni highlights: "Soaps and sanitizers strip the natural oils off the skin, making it itchy, red and cracked. Harsh cleansers and no aftercare post hand sanitisation are the prime reasons why seniors are having more hand eczema post the pandemic and during the lockdown. Other reasons of hand eczema include genetics, wrong use of the right products, stress and psychiatric disorders. Harsh soaps, SLS containing soaps, liquid hand-washes, fragranced soaps are usually very irritant to the hands."

While until the lockdown, 'housewives' eczema' was more common with a majority of elderly women suffering from the condition due to excess contact with water and harsh detergents, at present, elderly men too are falling prey to hand eczema as they are helping out in household chores these days.

Asthma and other respiratory allergy indicators

Interestingly, hand eczema could be indicative of several underlying conditions apart from the fact that those suffering from this condition usually have a strong family history. It could be asthma and other respiratory allergies, contamination with harsh chemicals, psychological conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that may run together with hand eczema, believes Dr Sachith Abraham, consultant, dermatology at Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore.

Preventing Hand Eczema

Here are some tips from Dr. S.N Aravinda, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore and other doctors with whom Silver Talkies had spoken.

. Avoid using hand sanitisers all the time. If you are staying indoor, it is not necessary to use hand sanitiser at all.

. Try to use soap and water to wash your hands. Opt for mild soaps that have moisturizing and non-irritating properties in it.

. If your hands are itchy, avoiding scratching them. Instead, speak to a doctor to understand the cause behind it.

. Do not use brushes to wash the hands or any other exfoliating agents, use a gentle motion to thoroughly clean the hands for about 20 seconds.

. Post washing hands, use a restorative and moisturizing hand cream.

. Try to use gloves when going out to protect your hands from getting any contaminants on them.

If you are regularly washing vessels at home, wear gloves to protect your hands and moisturise them later.

. Existing eczema can be treated by over the counter creams prescribed by a doctor. Consult a doctor and get the appropriate cream to treat it.

. Avoid fidgeting with hands and fingers too much. Some individuals may have the habit to bite at their fingertips or nails which can damage the skin and allow unwanted bacteria to get inside and cause infections. Manage anxiety and try to distract yourself from these habits, in case you are prone to it.

. Trying out alternatives instead of using harsh soaps for handwashing may also help those with hand eczema to some extent. Try Syndet (Synthetic detergent) bars, which are less alkaline in nature, thus giving a soothing effect. NMF soap (natural moisturizing factor) and EFA creams (essential fatty acids) will provide extra moisturizing effect on the skin. Non-fragrant, paraben-free soaps are less harsh on the skin.

Follow these tips and save your hands from eczema as you maintain your hand hygiene to contain Covid-19.