Dry, Chapped, Cracked, Burning Hands

[dmarie (GA)]

My poor, poor hands. After washing them over and over and over again, gloves on and off repeatedly throughout my shift, they actually started to crack and bleed tonight. Any type of lotion causes them to burn and break out in a red rash, even the lotions that claim to be for sensitive skin/fragrance free, etc. I have fair, sensitive skin to begin with. It can't be a latex allergy because the gloves are latex free.

Any suggestions?

[LeavingTeaching4RN]

Just curious to know if these lotions lower the efficacy of latex gloves? If you can only use water based lubricants with latex condoms, should I have the same concern with latex gloves?

[NursingAgainstdaOdds]

Ugh, I completely have the same problem. I've tried every lotion over the counter, including the ultra expensive, supposedly ultra healing ones - yep, they made my hands burn like hell and break-out worse.

I am suspecting that this could be related to a sensitivity to something at work. I'm going to start with eliminating latex gloves and see if that helps.

The other day at work my hands were hurting so much, so I applied some ultra healing lotion which has worked moderately well in the past. My hands proceeded to break-out in the most painful way I've ever felt, and as a PP mentioned they were shaking and I was on the verge of tears. I had some lanolin (also mentioned by a PP) in my bag, which I typically only use at home because it doesn't really "rub in". It was a godsend that day, and helped protect my hands for the rest of the day (even though it looked like I was covered in Vaseline...).

[mcknis]

My father and I have always had dry cracked hands during the winter months especially for as long as I can remember. He likes Zims Crack Cream, although it does smell like a PP said, but it works. I am cheaper and will usually use a thick lotion (foot cream) covered with socks/non latex gloves to prevent smearing grease everywhere.

[sharona97, BSN, RN]

I don't like the idea of using triple antibiotic ointment, because even though it's just an ointment, it's still an atb, and we way overuse them. (maybe just my personal paranoia:uhoh3:) I've done the same thing with the socks, though with A & D ointment with good results. I also like Burt's Bees foot ointment (for my hands)

This was exactly what I was going to rec. Burt's Bee's Line. Found in drug stores, grocery stores, retail,etc. They offer a large round container that says hand sauve on it. It works. I personally believe in his whole line as I have seen results from cuts,scratches, sores,it's amazing.

I second the vote.

[scattycarrot, BSN, RN]

You might want to talk to Occupational Health (at least we call it that in the UK, I presume you have the same over here...a internal department who looks after the health of employees???) as different brands of soap can cause sensitivity problems. At my last place of work, they ended up changing the brand they used as it was causing the problem you describe in a lot of people and it become s an infection control issue as people become reluctant to wash their hands and their hands have broken areas of skin...not good, obvioulsy. I also know someone who was allergic to the hospital brand and were supplied with pocket size soap dispensers so they could use that instead. Also, do your hospital provide 'normal' soap next to the anti-bacterial for as long as you are washing your hands according to infection control guidelines, than normal soap is just as effective for regular hand-washing. That might be less drying on your hands. Seen as you wash your hands so many times a day , this is an important area to think about.

I feel your pain and sympathise!

[mrsraisinkain]

In the past, my doctor had given me a script for clobetasol. What is the difference between this and Elidel (if you know and don't mind saying). I'm wondering if maybe I should bring up Elidel to my sons pediatrician. TIA.

JohnnysGirl

Elidel is a non-steroidal cream and clobetasol is a corticosteroid. I don't know about Elidel, but clobetasol is not suggested to be used for more than 2 weeks consecutively. My daughter's pediatrician has written prescriptions for both Elidel and clobetasol for her eczema and I found the clobetasol worked better for her. It was also cheaper because clobetasol is a generic and Elidel is not available in generic form yet. However, my daughter started out using the Elidel because it is approved for children 2 and older and she was very young when we started eczema treatment for her. I don't know why Bactroban would be used, because isn't that an antibiotic and eczema's not an infection, is it? As far as the OP's question, I don't know but in our facility we're only supposed to use hospital approved lotions because others may cause deterioration in our gloves. Sorry, I'm not a help at all, am I?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Wasn't it you who told me about A&D Lotion?

It works!

[MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN]

Olive oil and cotton gloves at night...A&D works great right after shower with gloves. Cetaphil cream-not pump. All work...good luck...it's hard to reverse once your hands are shot.

Maisy;)

[flightnurse2b, LPN]

i use kiehl's ultimate strength hand salve. it works great. http://www.kiehls.com

[I love my cat!]

Do you use Nitrile gloves? There have been reports of people that are allergic to them. Apparently, it has something to do with the chemicals used when the gloves are made.

[Ms Kylee]

Avon's Silicone Glove hand cream works wonders for me. And it lasts through several washings. It's cheap too.. you can usually get it on sale for $1.79 a tube.

[moonchild20002000]

My dermatologist has me using Aveeno Eczema care moisturizing cream.I use it

all over my body and it has really worked well for me.