Because healthcare workers must wash their hands frequently they sometimes get dry, cracked or red skin that can also be painful.
Some Causes of Hand Dermatitis:
- Frequent, prolonged contact with water
- Harsh soaps
- Low humidity
- Cold weather
- History of childhood eczema
What can you do to decrease the risk of this condition?
- Use lukewarm water to wash your hands - never hot
- Use the least harsh soap available
- Good brands are Basis and Dove for sensitive skin
- Avoid soaps with fragrances or botanical oils
- Limit time in the shower or tub to the minimum necessary
- At work, use alcohol foam when hands are not visibly soiled – it is less drying than soap and water
- Use a bland moisturizer frequently
- Use non-latex gloves
- Do not wear gloves longer than necessary - frequent glove changes allow your skin to breathe
- If you wear gloves to handle chemicals or do wet work, use loose fitting rubber or vinyl gloves, with cotton liners if possible
Self-care tips to protect and treat your hands if they become irritated:
- At bedtime moisten hands with a washcloth.
- While skin is still moist, liberally apply a bland emollient (such as Aquaphor)
- Wear thin cotton gloves as needed to keep sheets clean
- Leave emollient cream on over-night
- Reapply emollient after washing or bathing
- Seek medical care if your symptoms do not improve
Keywords: dermatitis, skin
