Glove use and contact dermatitis

[MQ Edna]

Any tips for dealing with itching, dry, cracked patches of skin d/t glove use?

I believe I have contact dermatitis caused by exposure to sweaty hands in the gloves. The condition really flares up when I work 3 12's in a row. My fingers become riddled with patches of painful, thick, dry, cracking skin. Once these dry, cracked patches occur, hand washing is uncomfortable and hand sanitizers out of the question because of the severe burning it causes.

I use hand lotion at work, but it seems useless because it's washed off so quickly. At home I've been using 1% hydrocortisone cream and applying pure glycerin to the affected areas before bed for intense moisturizing. Regular hand lotions don't do a thing for these dry patchy spots, it's like applying lotion to cardboard.

I've tried using gloves with aloe vs. the basic non-latex gloves and the condition develops no matter which gloves I use. I've seen ads for "contact dermatitis" barrier creams on the internet that are suppose to seal the skin against moisture and irritants for up to four hours and does not wash off with soap and water. I wonder if anyone has used such creams and do they work??

[fleur-de-lis, BSN, RN]

I was going to ask if you might be developing a latex allergy, but I see you use non-latex. I just learned that latex allergies can develop over time, and that allergies to certain foods predispose you to developing latex allergies! Go figure!

Have you tried gold bond powder on your hands before gloving up to dry them off? Only thing I can think of. Take care!

[TazziRN, RN]

I would suggest talking with your emp health dept. They are obligated to find products you can use.