Any Suggestions?!?

Specialties Operating Room

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Hello Everyone

I just finished my Perioperative program, and have started my career in the O.R. Unfortunately, it is not off to a great start. I seem to be allergic to the cuffs of the disposable sterile gowns that my hospital uses. Every day after i scrub i break out in a rash that extends from the middle of my hands to just below the wrists, right where my cuffs sit. I know it is not the gloves, as the top half of my hands and fingers are not affected. I have tried using liners, but they don't cover all of my wrists, i have tried different scrub solutions with no change, i tried opsites, but when i pulled them off after the surgery, all it did was open up all the little blisters. i make sure my hands are really dry before gowning and have tried moving my cuffs up and down, nothing makes a difference. I did a 7 week rotation in an OR with cloth/gortex gowns and scrubbed every day and had NO problems at all. (cloth gowns are not an option at this facility). i talked to the nurse educator for the unit and she is contacting the company rep, but i was wondering if anyone else has had similar problems or any suggestions. Working in the O.R. is great. this IS my career goal, and i don't want it to be cut short. any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Lena

Geez Lenawa, I'm so sorry this is happening!! Maybe you could

try to wear those terrycloth work-out wristbands under the cuffs?

Maybe that would create the barrier that you need?

What kind of cuffs are they?? The sterile gowns we use are that paper-y kind with the cotton-like knit cuffs; I wouldn't think those would cause a problem (they're just like cuffs on regular clothes). They must be different from the ones that we use.

yes, they are blue paper-like with the cotton cuffs. but do you notice a smell when you open them up? i think there must be like a preservative or maybe they sterilize them chemically...i don't know. i'm leaving for work now and my hands look like they've just come out of a blender.

Lena

Specializes in ER.

Can you put gloves on under the gown, then gown, then gloves over it? Double gloved, but only the top set would be considered sterile?

That is a really good idea! it sounds so much better than liners, (i absolutely HATE them) I will certainly try that on monday. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

There should be no reason why they would not be able to get you a disposable gown that would be for hypoallergenic people. I hoep you like the OR. It is my major love. I had to give it up thought because of physical problems. Good Luck! AND enjoy your time in the operating room. Kathy:)

:cool: What a cool idea Canoe!!!

Lena, I hope that Canoe has come up with a viable option for you. Good Luck

I have been doing the glove - gown - glove thing for about a month now and have had no furthur problems with my hands, Thanks again!

LEna

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