Hand care for nurses

[OrionQuiltsRN]

I begin my first LPN job soon while I continue towards my RN. I know that hand care is important for several reasons. Wearing gloves, washing hands and using hand gels must have an impact on your hands. I want to minimize hang nails and raggy cuticles to prevent infections. I certainly wouldn't want a nurse with cracked, dry, sore hands taking care of me. But I also want my hands to look good when I am not at work.

How have you taken care of your hands at work, as well as at home? Are there any products or treatments I can use at home to keep my hands in tip-top shape? Is it better to gel-in, gel-out, or use soap and water? I realize I need to use soap and water with c-diff. patients. Your wisdom and experiences is appreciated.

[mamason]

My hands get really roached out with the contant washing at work. I have found that using a sea salt scrub after washing my hands and then applying a thick lotion of my choice helps soften them up. But, it's a constant battle for me regardless.

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

I find that it's not as bad in the warm months....but alcohol gel, the lotions, etc..help.

also, be aware that long nails are usually not allowed in facilities..

[bekindtokittens]

I carry a small tube of Eucerin Plus intensive repair hand cream with me and lather up several times a day. This is the only brand of lotion I've found that is not too thick, and it absorbs quickly so my hands don't feel slimy or slick. I *hate* that feeling.

[Laurendd]

Aveeno is non-greasy as well. I used to use some Avon lotion called silicone glove when I was in Australia. The hospitals there had lotion dispensers next to the soap which was the best in winter. Now I like burt's bees but it can feel a little greasy. All a matter of preference, really but I love lotions.

[crunchymomx3]

My MIL gave me some dry skin hand cream from L'Occitane. It's great for dry hands.

[mpccrn, BSN, RN]

a couple of days off usually works better than any lotions i have found......lol

[debthern]

if mine get really dry I use bag balm or udder cream...

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I use whatever lotion I have handy at work. At home, during time off, I slather on lotions I enjoy. Somehow it works out. It tends to be a little tougher to keep nails and cuticles nice in the winter because everything's drier, I think, but if I remember to moisturize for certain on my times off, it's not as big a deal for my worktime to keep it up.

Oh, and at home I absolutely never use antibacterial anything, and moisturizing soaps only :)

[EMSnut45, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I have a good half hour drive home from work, so I take advantage of the time. I grab a pair of gloves as I'm walking out the door, slather on some good, thick lotion, put the gloves on, and drive home. By the time I get home, my hands are good as new!

[liveyourlife747]

I have heard that Mary-Kay has a hand scrub and lotion that really works to smooth hands

[iwanna]

My hands sure suffered while I was working. Then, I started to bring in my own hand soap. The hospital soap is too drying. Also, used udder cream. Oh, and yeah, I used latex-free gloves. I do not have allergy to latex, but my skin is extremely sensitive.