Career ending Allergic Contact Dermatitis

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I am not actually a nurse but a RRT. I developed allergic contact dermatitis after 5 years of working and cannot use the hospital soap, in which I bring my own. Still using foam and my own soap I cannot get this condition under control, it's been a 1+ year battle. I am allergic to fragrance, balsam of Peru, formaldehyde and a few others chemicals. Does anyone else suffer from this? It affects my daily life and I dread work knowing my hands will be on fire and itch. It's a constant battle and the rashes never have enough time to heal. I know I will have to quit soon, which is making me so depressed. Has anyone had to change careers due to this ridiculous condition?

Sorry you've been having such a rough time. I use the product "Gloves In A Bottle" before my shift...it's a skin barrier lotion to help protect my hands from the constant hand washing/sanitizer. If my hands are really getting dried out: when I go to bed I slather plain old vaseline on my hands (or if you need to add in your steroid creams) and then put on soft cotton gloves (often in the makeup aisle at a general store).

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