Hand Dermatitis?

With everyone washing their hands to avoid transmission of Covid virus- many people are developing irritant hand dermatitis.

GENERAL RULES

Use a “Soap Free Wash” in the shower.

Oatmeal shampoo and conditioner, or wear gloves in shower when washing hair with normal shampoo.

Try to avoid getting your hands wet. Even frequent hand washing with water can dry out your skin and make eczema worse. Get someone else at home to wash the dishes/ dogs/cars.

Avoid touching any chemicals- bleach, detergent etc at home or at work.

For any wet-work use white cotton gloves underneath non-latex over-gloves (e.g. PVC). If the cotton gloves get wet or sweaty, put a fresh pair on.

If you need to do the “washing up” - use a pot-scrubber with a long handle in one hand, and put gloves on the “wet” hand.

Avoid latex, rubber and leather gloves as you may develop an allergy to these.

STEROID OINTMENTS

You can purchase weak cortisone cream: 1% hydrocortisone ointment from the pharmacist without a script. Apply 1-2/d. Purchase the ointment form rather than the cream. If no better- speak to your GP regarding a script for a stronger cortisone ointment. You may be able to arrange a tele-health consultation with your GP for this which can save you a visit.

If the eczema is very bad, cover your hands for 15 minutes with plastic (“sandwich making”) gloves or glad wrap. This allows the ointment to work better. After 15minutes, take off the glove/gladwrap and let the ointment dry in the air before applying moisturizer.

MOISTURIZERS

1. You must put moisturizer on the hands at least 4-6 times per day- e.g. after each time you use hand sanitizer.

2. “Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Cream” is a good option as it won’t make your hands too slippery. Make sure you purchase the Fragrance Free variety.