Eczema on hands?

Specialties School

Published

I've had several students come down complaining about their hands itching, burning and hurting and they have what appears to be eczema on their hands. Besides educating, what else can I do in the clinic to help them? I had a teacher ask this morning if I could put Vaseline on them but I wasn't sure.

Have they possibly discovered the fun of peeling dried glue off of their hands? I ask because, I'm not a school nurse, but several little kids all having the same hand rash would make me want to find the cause.

Usually they aren't shy about saying "LOOK WHAT I CAN DO" and peeling the glue off, though.

With the time of year, dry chapped hands are very common. I have unscented Eucerin as well as Vaseline in my clinic - any kids without skin allergies get the Eucerin, everyone else gets Vaseline. I have a few kids who will pop in, wave, get a dot of lotion, and head right back out.

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Specializes in School Nursing, Hospice,Med-Surg.

I keep a tube of Aquaphor for the eczema kids and for any kids that get super dry hands this time of year.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

It might be a nickel allergy if on the palms with students using cell phones, lap tops and tablets. I wonder if it is a contact allergic eczema from one of the above.

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Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.
I've had several students come down complaining about their hands itching, burning and hurting and they have what appears to be eczema on their hands. Besides educating, what else can I do in the clinic to help them? I had a teacher ask this morning if I could put Vaseline on them but I wasn't sure.

We're not allowed to give medical advice as per forum guidelines.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
I've had several students come down complaining about their hands itching, burning and hurting and they have what appears to be eczema on their hands. Besides educating, what else can I do in the clinic to help them? I had a teacher ask this morning if I could put Vaseline on them but I wasn't sure.

Before allowing the use of Vaseline or lotions, I would first find out what the school policies allow.

Agree with other posters that it could be the cold weather. Whenever it starts getting cold out, my hands dry out like crazy, and I have to use intensive moisturizers at night to combat the combined effects of cold, dry air, waterless hand rubs, and hand washing.

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Specializes in Peds, Oncology.
We're not allowed to give medical advice as per forum guidelines.

I'm asking for nursing interventions, not medical advice. Thanks.

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