hand washing = sore hands, any good products available?

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Hi

I've just bought a new puppy and so I am always washing my hands, this has resulted in sore hands that have started to split and bleed - I went through exactly the same thing when I had my children and was always washing my hands.

I'm wondering seeing as I will be going into a profession whereby handwashing is v. frequent and v. important, is there any product that I can use to protect my hands and stop them from getting so sore?

Thanks :)

Specializes in NICU.
May I add that our trust removed all clear vinyl gloves from the bays, because they are not approved for use with patients as they are only to be used for cleaning duties. They said only latex and thoes groovy purple gloves are to be used when dealing with patients as the vinyl gloves are a infection control risk.

Are you serious? We have the clear-ish, vinyl, powdered gloves. Are you talking about this kind? I don't understand how the could be considered harmful and not approved for patient use - they are labeled specifically as "examination" gloves! Though I think the purple ones are unpowdered and I'd much prefer those - I think I'll ask around...

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Are you serious? We have the clear-ish, vinyl, powdered gloves. Are you talking about this kind? I don't understand how the could be considered harmful and not approved for patient use - they are labeled specifically as "examination" gloves! Though I think the purple ones are unpowdered and I'd much prefer those - I think I'll ask around...

Yup thoes ones....maybe its to do with recent research, I will have to look into it too.

Fejao x

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I started using Aquaphor on my hands after we had good success with it in our NICU (works wonders on fragile preemie skin). I use tiny amounts at home during the day and larger amounts at night with cotton gloves or socks on my hands. It seems to heal all the tiny lacerations I get, especially on my knuckles, from frequent handwashing at work with surgical foam soap.

At work I don't use it (it's mainly petroleum jelly, so not so good with latex gloves) so instead I use any of those lotions that offer a protective barrier. One in particular I like - called something like Gloves in a Bottle.

Are You still using latex gloves? Latex should be out - due to potential allergy risks.... As for hands - what are you washing them with?

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Specializes in NICU.
Are You still using latex gloves? Latex should be out - due to potential allergy risks.... As for hands - what are you washing them with?

Our hospital has not yet gone latex-free - I don't know of many around here that have. The ORs are latex-free, but that's about it. And if you guys say that our current vinyl gloves are a no-no - what the heck am I supposed to use at work? Our hospital does not stock the powder-free purple vinyl gloves. We are a large teaching hospital.

Staff members with latex allergies use the non-latex stuff. The only babies we deem latex-free are those who have spina bifida or others who we know are going to need many surgeries in the future.

We scrub in using one of two surgical foam soaps on our unit - an iodine-based one or a chlorhexidine-based one. We also use the alcohol-based hand gels between washes with the foam soaps.

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I used to have sore hands after each call, after washing my hands 100s of times. Now I carry my hand lotion with me in my pocket and apply it virtually every time I wash my hands. Works for me, although I do not look neat with my pockets bulging - I'll have to start carrying a bag soon :uhoh3:

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Garnier fructis hand cream is fantastic both my wife and I use it.

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Hi

I've just bought a new puppy and so I am always washing my hands, this has resulted in sore hands that have started to split and bleed - I went through exactly the same thing when I had my children and was always washing my hands.

I'm wondering seeing as I will be going into a profession whereby handwashing is v. frequent and v. important, is there any product that I can use to protect my hands and stop them from getting so sore?

Thanks :)

Hello, a bit of possibly useful info - I came accross a hand cream "aqui" Replenishing Hand Treatment. "This has been formulated with the finest AHA's, BHA's and moisturisers to help improve the skin's appearance and texture and give your hands a more youthful look. It also contains anti-oxidants and sunscreen to help visible signs of ageing."

I found it to be great. I use it sparingly and very often - does not seem to be a problem with rubber/latex, plastic or othe gloves. I have used it for several years in surgery, childrens wards, geriatrics and when barrier nursing - in fact all the time. and it only comes in a small pocket sized tube.

Made in Australia for the Amway Corporation!

I am sure that they have something too in USA, may be worth a check.

(Amway/Quixtar phone 1-800-544-7167 find a local distributor of products or phone 616-787-6279 or 616-787-7828 office hours 8.30am to 7.00pm, and ask directly about their hand care products, prices and how to get them!)

I have been reminded that poorness of skin texture and elasticity can be also associated with your general physical wellbeing and the diet that you take.

(Have been nursing for over 36 years and still working - since I used this "aqui" I no longer have any skin problems with my hands.

Hope this is of some help. :Melody: :specs: Mister Chris

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now i have been looking into the use of vinyl gloves in the clinical area. it just so happens i am doing an infection control module at university. i dont have access to the full reference but here is what our booklet says.

types of gloves

gloves are available in a variety of materials including natural rubber latex (nrl), synthetic latex or vinyl. selecting the appropriate type of glove will be determined by the activity to be undertaken. for example, latex gloves are used for procedures requiring a high degree of dexterity such as surgical operations. vinyl gloves, which are looser fitting, are appropriate to wear when giving an injection or cleaning-up spillage. polythene gloves should not be used because of their permeability and tendency to damage easily, thus exposing both the patient and healthcare practitioner to microbial contamination (clark et al 2002 and pratt et al 2001).

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Did you know that the company Johnson & Johnson have produced a "New Formulation" Microshield Handrub - It now has moisturising lotion.

"Softens and conditions Skin Enriched with Amino Acids and Vitamin E and is suitable for use with Chlorhexidine Gluconate Products and Latex Gloves".

Can be used as often as necessary - every time you wash your hands.

It has just been introduced in a geriatric centre where I work about once a week.

Made in Australia from local and imported ingredients!

Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty. Ltd.

1-5 Khartoum Rd. North Ryde, 2113

Microshield 4 H/Wash 500ml

Price: $15.88 RRP: $17.13 Code: 414441

Microshield 5 Antis Dis500ml

Price: $20.13 RRP: $26.59 Code: 414433

Microshield Skincare 1.5 litres 1x "Skincare Cleanser pH5.5

With emollient and moisturiser Cleans gently Removes and replaces ... more

Price: $35.61 RRP: $38.46 Code: 654590

Microshield T (Triclosan 1% w/w Skin Cleanser) 125ml

Price: $5.75 RRP: $7.58 Code: 414425

All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD)

I do not work for them or get commission! I just thought as I had the infromation I could pass it on.

Mister Chris :specs:

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