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?
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
Put some table sugar in an old cosmetic jar. Pour some sesame oil into the sugar (or whatever you have around). You can add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.
Before bedtime scoop out some of the mixture and rub it around your dry hands as though you are washing them. Then rinse it off with water. Your hands will be soft and smooth without greasiness.
At work wash your hands as necessary and avoid hand sanitizer as much as possible.
TriciaJ, RN
4,328 Posts
Put some table sugar in an old cosmetic jar. Pour some sesame oil into the sugar (or whatever you have around). You can add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.
Before bedtime scoop out some of the mixture and rub it around your dry hands as though you are washing them. Then rinse it off with water. Your hands will be soft and smooth without greasiness.
At work wash your hands as necessary and avoid hand sanitizer as much as possible.