Table of contents:
- Various ways to treat eczema on the feet
- 1. Wearing special socks / compression stockings
- 2. Using drugs
- 3. Lifting legs
- 4. Be more active
- 5. Avoid eczema triggers
- 6. Use a moisturizer
- 7. Avoid water for bathing that is too hot
Eczema that appears on the feet due to impaired blood circulation is known as stasis dermatitis or venous eczema. The itching sensation it causes on relapse can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities. The good news is, there are a number of ways you can treat the symptoms of eczema in the feet.
Various ways to treat eczema on the feet
Each type of dermatitis generally has similar symptoms, namely a reddish rash on the skin that feels itchy. However, stasis dermatitis specifically attacks the skin on the feet with features that are somewhat different from dermatitis in general.
Stasis dermatitis presents a rash rash with small red or brown patches. Nodes usually appear on the calves to the tips of the fingers and soles of the feet. These blisters can feel very itchy or even painful.
If you have eczema problems in your feet, the best way to deal with it is to consult a doctor to get the right treatment. During treatment, here are a number of things you need to do.
1. Wearing special socks / compression stockings
This type of dermatitis is caused by blockage of the veins in the legs. The blood that should flow upwards gets trapped in the leg and puts too much pressure on it. This pressure causes damage to vessels and leakage of blood under the skin.
Compression stockings are a type of stretchy hosiery specially made for blood circulation in the legs. When worn, the compression stockings feel tighter on the bottom of the leg, then they gradually loosen up to the calf.
The pressure generated on the bottom of the legs helps blood flow back to the heart. That way, blood no longer collects in the legs and the skin can return to get the oxygen it needs.
2. Using drugs
The use of eczema drugs is not going to treat this skin disease completely. However, this method is effective in reducing swelling and relieving symptoms such as rashes, intense itching, and pain in the legs.
Treatment for venous eczema usually involves antihistamines, corticosteroids, and drugs calcineurin inhibitor. Several types of drugs can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies, but there are also potent drugs that require a doctor's prescription.
Antihistamine oral medications can be relied on to treat itching and rashes due to eczema on the skin of the feet. Meanwhile, corticosteroids in the form of ointments or creams work by reducing swelling and inflammation of the skin.
Although they are effective in overcoming the symptoms of eczema, corticosteroids have serious side effects so they should not be used in the long term. Therefore, doctors usually provide other alternatives such as calcineurin inhibitor.
The dose of the drug will be adjusted according to the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms do not improve, the doctor can prescribe a stronger dose of the drug. Make sure you always follow the recommendations for using the drug so that the benefits are more optimal.
3. Lifting legs
Another way to help treat eczema in the feet is to position the legs so that blood circulation around them becomes smooth. It also reduces swelling in the feet, which is a major trigger for stasis dermatitis.
Try lying down while raising your legs so that they are higher than your heart. Repeat this method every two hours for 15 minutes. Do the same thing when you sleep by propping your legs up using a pillow.
4. Be more active
The habit of sitting for hours every day can aggravate stasis dermatitis as blood and fluid build up in the legs. To prevent this, change this habit by walking 10 minutes every hour.
You can also increase your physical activity by walking for 30 minutes at least three days a week. If you want to do other sports, ask your doctor to find out what types of activities are safe for you.
5. Avoid eczema triggers
Although the cause is blood buildup in the legs, the symptoms of stasis dermatitis can also get worse if you have the cause of eczema. This is because the skin of people with stasis dermatitis is more sensitive and prone to irritation.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, triggers for eczema that need to be avoided include:
- pet fur,
- grass and plants,
- pollen,
- mushrooms,
- perfume, and
- care products contain fragrances.
6. Use a moisturizer
Using a moisturizer is the best way to treat scaly skin caused by eczema on the feet. Moisturizer is also important to prevent further irritation and damage because it helps repair the skin's protective barrier that has been eroded.
Choose a moisturizing cream for eczema that is thick in texture because it can provide more moisture to the skin of the feet. This is important because the skin on the feet tends to get dry easily, especially if you have eczema.
Moisturizer that is safe for people with foot eczema is petroleum jelly and non-cosmetic moisturizers such as emollients. If you want to try another moisturizer, choose one that is free of alcohol, scents, dyes, perfumes, and other chemicals.
It is recommended that you apply a generous amount of moisturizer at least 2-3 times a day. The best time to use it is after a shower when the skin on your feet is still half moist. Also use it after washing your feet before going to bed.
7. Avoid water for bathing that is too hot
Water that is too hot can dry out your skin even more. This is because hot water sheds sebum, a natural oil that protects the skin. Dry skin further triggers the recurrence of eczema on the feet and makes the skin irritated more easily.
As long as the symptoms of eczema persist, use lukewarm water. Just clean your feet for 20 seconds, but make sure they are really clean and that no soap residue can irritate the skin
When bathing, use water of the same temperature. The ideal bath time according to experts is 5-10 minutes, including to clean the head. Moreover, the skin can lose moisture, increasing the risk of recurrent venous eczema.
Stasis dermatitis is eczema that occurs as a result of circulatory disorders in the legs. To treat eczema on the feet, the key is medication, foot skin care, and various ways to restore blood circulation in problem areas.
Do all three on a regular basis for best results. If you have certain concerns during treatment, try to consult a doctor to find the right solution.
