Rash from hand sanitizer?

Nurses General Nursing

Updated:   Published

I'm a new grad and new to my job. I was using the hand sanitizer a lot today and over a period of about 2 hours started to develop a rash from it on my hands. Sometimes it would burn while I was in school (if my hands were super dry or if I had cuts) but I never had any reactions like this.

Has anyone else run in to this problem? I really hope it's just a fluke and not an allergy I've suddenly developed :(

Thanks all- I think it might be that particular brand used- I went to another unit to drop a patient off and the sanitizer there was the one that burned and I think caused the initial reaction. I noticed in school that sometimes hand sanitizer burned wickedly (never really noted the brand(s)) but that most of the time it was fine.

My hands look much better today after sleeping on it, so I'm going to try to figure out if there are a few different formulations my hospital uses. For those who use a different sanitizer- do you just carry it around with you or do you have it in a central location where you use it? I also think I'll make a point to use the soap and water when possible and moisturize frequently throughout the day too.

1 Votes
Specializes in ICU.

Happens to me. Then my hospital made us use there "compatible" hypoallergenic lotion, we couldn't use our own. Guess what.... I had an allergic reaction to the hypoallergenic lotion! My hands blew up and went on fire.

The santizer is just drying. Use a nice thick vasoline type lotion. Honestly, Gold Bond really is the best. Expensive, but worth it.

1 Votes
Specializes in ER, L&D, RR, Rural nursing.

I have similar reactions to the soap and hand sanitizers provided at the hosp. I bring my own, yes both and use them exclusively. I also moisturize with my own supply of hand butter. Of course you may want to speak with your OH&S in regards to being able to use your own supplies. Supporting your argument with the importance of frequent hand washing as infection control measures... As far as using my own, I have it at a central location and carry a small purse size sanitizer around if needed.

1 Votes
Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I think it's due to your hands being so dried out. When I'm at work I notice that later in the shift my hands get reeeeeally dry and I get a rash on them from using too much Purell.

1 Votes
Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I carry my own sanitizer, and I only use it when I can't get to a sink.

1 Votes
Specializes in LTC/Rehab,Med/Surg, OB/GYN, Ortho, Neuro.

yeah, that one for the lotion. type in gold bond ultimate sanitizer, it's the 3rd and 4th one on the list. i'm not good at posting links.

I'm allergic to latex, and never fails that I come in contact with it in some form, and the lotion is the only one OTC and prescribed that ever gave my hand any relief. I came across the sanitizer while shopping in wal-mart one day and decided to try it out. I will not use anything else again. My boss allows me to use it b/c she knows about my difficulties.

I apologize for any typos. was hurt at work and my hand is now in a splint, really cumbersome to type one-handed.

1 Votes
Specializes in maternal child, public/community health.

I have problems with my hands too. I found it best to use soap and cool water and to pat, not rub, dry with paper towels. (I find the towels really irritating to my skin) I try to put lotion on every night. I really like Jergens Ultra Healing - it does not make my hands burn like many lotions do. Avoid scented lotions when your hands are irritated.

1 Votes

Hey,

I'm a new grad as well and I consistently get a red rash on the back of my hands from the hand sanitizer my hospital uses. I try to wash my hands with soap and water as often as possible and pat dry my hands. I also try to always moisturize at work with a glycerine/silicone hand cream that creates a lovely barrier on my hands. My hands always get better when I'm at home and not using hand sanitizer. I moisturize, moisturize, moisturize all the time at home :) good luck, I hope your hands get better.

1 Votes

Hi i have also rashes on my hands almost 2 months already.. i think our alcohol handrub was the main cause of this.. i tried to applied steroid cream prescribed by the GP, however until now it develop again everytime i go on duty... but it was not confirmed if this one is caused by handrub... it has a small blister and very itchy... do u think guys this one caused by handrub?

1 Votes
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