What to do if you have hand dermatitis: –Practical steps for healthcare workers
There are several key actions that a healthcare worker with contact dermatitis should take and this should include the following levels of actions. This is also available for download as a coloured flow chart.
1. Report skin problem to management
- Reporting a skin problem can allow workplaces to keep a register of hand problems in a particular department or across the whole organisation
- Report skin problems early, don’t wait until your hands are in bad condition
- If your hands are sore, don’t stop following hand hygiene, as you risk your own health and your patients’ health with hospital acquired infection
2. Good skin care practices
Reduce hand washing
- Hand washing is the most common cause of hand dermatitis
- Reduce hand washing where possible (unless hands visibly soiled) and use an alcohol based hand rub (ABHR) instead
- Use mild hand wash where possible
- Use warm water and not hot water for hand washing
- Dry hands thoroughly
Use alcohol based hand rubs (ABHR)
- Use ABHR where possible
- ABHR may sting hands if split and cracked. If it does sting, it does not mean you are allergic to it, it may just be irritating the skin
Moisturise
- Moisturise regularly
- Especially at the start of the day, at meal breaks, after work and before bed.
A cream in a tub or tube is more effective than a lotion in a pump pack
At home
- Use soap substitutes where possible
- Reduce the amount of wet work by using appropriate gloves
- Moisturise regularly
3. See GP or Staff Health Clinic
If the previous advice has not improved your hand dermatitis, you will need to see a doctor:
- You may need script for topical corticosteroid ointment or cream to apply to your hands
- You may need to have a blood test (RAST) to determine if you are allergic to latex
- You may need some time off to let your skin heal, or a rostering change
4. See a dermatologist
- If there has still not been improvement, you may need a referral from your GP to see a dermatologist or attend a hospital Dermatology Outpatient Clinic
- You may be referred to a special clinic for patch testing.
- Patch testing is used to diagnose an allergy to something that your skin is coming into contact with.
If you need further information please email apalmer@occderm.asn.au or phone 03 9623 9402
Healthcare workers flowchart-final 2017.pub
Advice for Infection Control and Hand hygiene staff – managing hand dermatitis in nurses
Hand dermatitis amongst nurses is not uncommon, and there is often requests for advice about how to manage these skin problems in the healthcare setting. As a result we have developed the following flow chart about steps of action to be taken and appropriate skin care measures depending on the severity of hand dermatitis. You can download a copy of the PDF here.
Infection control flowchart-final 2018
Keep your face looking healthy during COVID-19-information sheet
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to an increased use of face masks, not only amongst healthcare workers but also now the general public. Prolonged wearing of masks and goggles can cause adverse skin reactions such as acne, contact dermatitis and pressure effects, as well as exacerbating any underlying skin conditions. Download information sheet below for advice.
Hand dermatitis during COVID-19
Given the current epidemic of Coronavirus, the frequency of hand washing and the use of alcohol based hand rubs has dramatically increased in both the healthcare population and in the general community. This in turn, can impact the skin barrier, resulting in skin dryness and hand dermatitis. To ensure healthy hands, our dermatology team have put together some skin care advice. Download from link below.