Nail and skin care

[Mandy110609]

So you all know what it's like... Constantly washing and sanitizing your hands. They become dry and rough and cracked. I'm just wondering what you guys do to keep your skin and nails healthy?

[Grace_]

I use a tiny dab of "Look Ma,new hands" from bath and body works. I also use Hard as Hoof nail cream for my cuticles which keeps them nice between manicures.

[idialyze, BSN, RN]

Gold Bond Ultimate Hand Sanitizer Moisturizer! Not too greasy, and really helps!

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Doesn't this defeat the purpose of washing your hands if you immediately handle the same non-sterile item after every hand wash?

Your hands aren't sterile after a "regular" hand wash, and it's not like she/he's putting on the Aveeno right after scrubbing in for surgery. The second you touch your pen, a chart, the computer keyboard, a door handle, etc., etc. you are transferring bacteria to your hands, and, I would guess, most of these are as dirty or dirtier than the lotion/lotion bottle.

[amberella123]

I try and stay away from hand sanitizer when my hands start getting bad. If my hands are getting cracked I just hand wash after everything and immediately put lotion on after, every single time. Also, it helps when your drying your hands to pat it rather than rub. It's less harsh on your skin.

[nursinglove15]

Vitamin E cream works wonders for your hands! I try to use it every night before bed while I'm doing clinical rotations. It can be hard to find, but it's amazing!

[NuGuyNurse2b]

I use Aveeno but only after clinicals - so for the 8 hours I'm on the floor, I suffer the hand sanitizers/constant hand washing.

[klt78]

One dermatologist recommended ointment is best then cream, lotion is not effective because it contains mostly water so it does not absorbs into skin.

I hope that will help!!! Good luck

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Aquafor if they are really bad.

[Nola009]

I use LOOK MA, NEW HANDS from bath and body works!It's the only lotion that works really well for me... it prevents the cracking... we all know that we need to protect the integrity of our skin!!!

[Nola009]

Doesn't this defeat the purpose of washing your hands if you immediately handle the same non-sterile item after every hand wash?

Nope... bc his hands are CLEAN when touching the bottle, not sterile anyways!

[Jenngirl34RN]

I use Neutrogena hand cream. I don't carry it around with me because I already have enough to carry in my pockets, but I keep it in my clinical bag and use it whenever I duck in to use my water bottle and on breaks. I have pretty sensitive skin, and the sanitizer will give me a rash after too long, so after two or three sanitizer uses I make sure to wash with soap and water.

[kristinamadrigal]

Aquaphor is the est thing I have used for my hands. And if I put hand nits or even socks at night with the Aquaphor my hands are so moisturizers and not dry. Olive oil on my cuticles helps a lot too. Hope this helps.