Hi! New nurse here! Recently, my hands have become incredibly dry from overwashing: They are constantly cracking and my skin seems to split a lot, especially around my nails. I know there are already several forums on good lotions, etc., but my question is slightly different and it may sound stupid but please bear with me, I am still learning the ropes!): I am still on classroom orientation, but I am worried about the possibility of my hands becoming dry to the point of bleeding when I get to the floor and accidentally getting my blood on something (Obviously, my blood is disease-free, but I still don't want to feel like I'm bleeding everywhere haha!) I have tried Neutrogena hand cream and that helps, but I feel like I am constantly washing my hands because I see an open red split and fear there might be some blood and so then I rewash them and then the problem worsens. Nurses who have cracked hands (even to the point of bleeding), how do you safely perform patient care?
I will swear by (but probably can't spell it right) L'Occitane hand cream, it is pricey but worth it! I buy it on amazon every few months and keep it in my work bag.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
If this is on-going I would suggest a trip to your PCP or a dermatologist. I was allergic to the hospital brand hand sanitizer which the dermatologist was able to diagnose then give me a note to use my own brand at my own cost.
Ugh. Dry cracked hands are the worst! And I too am not a fan of the infection risk (or being a biohazard risk with bleeding)!
In addition to the recommendations of the previous posters, I made the switch to non-antibacterial soaps with not a lot of fragrance in them throughout my home. This was another piece of the puzzle for me.
I'm also careful with the hand sanitizers that I use outside of work (vehicle, purse etc). The alcohol content oddly enough doesn't seem to cause issues for me - it's the highly fragranced ones that I've noticed are more irritating to my hands.
If this is on-going I would suggest a trip to your PCP or a dermatologist. I was allergic to the hospital brand hand sanitizer which the dermatologist was able to diagnose then give me a note to use my own brand at my own cost.
Hppy
Yes, this! I found out through skin testing I was allergic to the dimethicone in almost ALL the moisturizers I was using and had to start researching labels closely. I used to get bleeding cracks between my fingers and persisted in making it worst. Try to use something with very few ingredients and then work your way up brands with more additives and see if they make it worst.
No one has mentioned my favorite. I use lotion to prevent as much of the problem as possible but once the crack is there, I use Krazy Glue. It comes in a small bottle with a brush like fingernail polish. You can be very precise in it's application and it will be sealed for the remainder of your shift.
How about Avagard? It's a chlorhexidine-based lotion approved by the FDA as an alternative to the traditional surgical scrub. Latex-glove compatible, and has a persistent (up to 6hr)antimicrobial effect.
Wash your hands at start of shift, before/after lunch, and when visibly soiled. All other times use the Avagard. Saved my skin (literally) in the OR!
Specializes in ICU/ER/Med-Surg/Case Management/Manageme.
This probably won't be a well-received comment, but when you said "but I feel like I am constantly washing my hands because I see an open red split and fear there might be some blood and so then I rewash them and then the problem worsens" it made me wonder if some of the issue might be related to a little OCD behavior. Other than that, those that mentioned being allergic to the hand sanitizer may be on target. My boss is seriously allergic to many of the hand soaps that have disinfectants in them. She carries her own hand soap at all times. Good luck!
Specializes in ICU/ER/Med-Surg/Case Management/Manageme.
Well, it's been a few years since I've had to wash my hands as often as hospital based nurses, but years back while working in a trauma ICU, most of us started using Neutrogena Norwegian Formula® Hand Cream. I still use it. When first applying, it feels almost a little tacky on your hands but after a few minutes it seems to soak in and form a bit of a barrier. And just a dab will do the trick when used on a regular basis. Also, it comes in a fragrance free formula.
And some unsolicited advice from an oldie-goldie...aside from raw, red, cracked hands, keep your hands moisturized 24/7. After so many years of washing and NOT moisturizing, my hands are my oldest looking body part. ?
Specializes in Community Health, Med/Surg, ICU Stepdown.
Every night before bed I put on SO. MUCH. AQUAPHOR! By the morning my hands are good as new... but I can't use aquaphor during the day because it is so greasy and takes forever (as in overnight) to absorb. I hadn't thought of the gloves to keep the moisture in... I think I will add that to my regimen. Thanks for the recommendations everyone!
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
On 2/26/2020 at 3:12 PM, EHS-SVMC said:
@DALLASRN @hppygr8ful - Can you tell me what products you are using for your hands to help. Thanks
So my remedy/formula for my not so beautiful almost 60 year old hands is this;
I have some BD E-Z Scrub preps that is use with mild soap - I like goats milk soap.
First thing in the AM I scrub from elbows to fingertips and rinse well then I apply a coating of Shea butter and coconut oil and rub it in really well for about 2 to 5 minutes. Once I get to work I wash very frequently - Almost never use hand sanitizer unless soap and water are not available. I reapply the butter/oil mixture frequently. At the end of the day I repeat the elbow to fingertip scrub and application of the butter/oil mixture.
I love the Trader Joe's product line, also bath and body works but I rarely pay more that $10 to $15 for a product and I don't use antibacterial products except at work where I have to.
jpicurn
26 Posts
I will swear by (but probably can't spell it right) L'Occitane hand cream, it is pricey but worth it! I buy it on amazon every few months and keep it in my work bag.