Nurses with Eczema?

Hi there. I am a stuent nurse and I have a concern that maybe someone can help me out with. I have moderate to severe Eczema and have had it my entire life. I currently have it under control by using Rx lotions and special soaps (Aveeno oatmeal only), however, even with the lotions I get breakouts when I am stressed or when the temperature changes. Anyways, can I be a nurse and have eczema? Will I be at an increased risk? I asked my microbiology instructor and she said that it will make me more susceptible to herpes viruses, staph bacteria, and just about anything else. I usually break out on the tops of my hands, my arms, and my ankles and lower leg area. Are there any other nurses out there with eczema, and how do you protect yourself when you have open sores from an outbreak?

Thanks,

Laura

[Yankee in TX]

Hi,

I have had problems for years. The one area I have had to stay away from is the OR. It killed my hands.

So far I have not had any infections. I have been a RN since 1987. I have a steroid cream I put on at night after working & it seems to help. There are days I have blisters & I try to be very vigilent about using the foam cleanser on my hands. Actually when it came out, it irritated me terribly but now it works better than the soap. Hibiclens as a soap was the least irritating for me. Also I can NOT wear the powdered gloves or I will immediately start itching & blistering.

My hands look like an "old lady's" but I like being a nurse. :) :)

Good luck to you,

Pearl

[prairiegirl]

Thanks for the advice. I too have trouble with my hands. I am only 19, but my hands look like they are 90....all dry, cracked, and wrinkley!

[psychomachia]

Ask your Derm about Elidel for Eczema Treatment. It works well and is a non-steroidal. Most people report a "burning" sensation during the first day or two, but this is transient and it works well for eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis.

[Jaxrn02]

I asked my microbiology instructor and she said that it will make me more susceptible to herpes viruses, staph bacteria, and just about anything else.

gloves gloves gloves gloves gloves!

[nocngail]

NON-LATEX, NON-Powdered, gloves, gloves, gloves....

Tons of info now on web re: allergies/eczema and development of job-acquired LATEX sensitivities.

PM me if you want Laura, and good luck!