Best Way to Protect Your Hands If You Have Eczema or Dermatitis

For people with eczema or dermatitis, the hands are one of the commonest sites to be affected. Here are some simple steps to take to protect your hands from exposure to irritants.

Hand washing

• Wash your hands only when necessary – too much hand wash­ing is generally bad for the skin.
• Use lukewarm water with a soap substitute. Ask your doctor to prescribe one or ask the pharmacist for suggestions.

• Always rinse thoroughly to remove any irritant residues.
• Dry between your fingers as this is where the skin is very prone to dryness and cracking.
• Wear household rubber gloves with a pair of cotton liners when washing up – latex-free ones if you are latex-sensitive.

Detergents and cleaning agents

• Try to avoid direct contact with these products. Keep the outside of packages clear of content spills.
• Wash your hands under running water if contact is made.
• Use non-biological laundry products.
• Never use too much powder or liquid. Avoid perfumed fabric conditioners.

Polishes

• Avoid direct contact with metal, wax, shoe, floor, furniture, and window polishes.
• Wear rubber gloves – latex-free if necessary – or cotton gloves.

Solvents and stain removers

• Avoid skin contact with white spirit (mineral spirit), trichloroethylene, petrol, turpentine, and thinners.
• If contact is made, wash your hands in lukewarm water using a little soap.

Fruit and vegetables

• Do not peel any citrus fruit, onions or garlic with your bare hands.

• Be careful when handling food -some people with eczema experience a burning sensation or itching when handling foods to which they are allergic. The juice from fruits and vegetables may act as allergens or irritants. For example, some people sneeze when peeling potatoes, although they can eat them when cooked without problems.

Rings

• Contact dermatitis can often be caused by rings, especially if they contain nickel.
• Clean rings with a brush when they are dirty and leave overnight in a weak solution of ammonia. Rinse thoroughly in the morning.