How to reconcile chronic hand eczema and work life?
Hand eczema is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammatory flare-ups with the appearance of red plaques alternated with calmer periods, during which skin becomes drier and sometimes cracked. Pain and itching often accompany these symptoms and can be a real handicap in daily life, especially at work. Whether caused by repeated contact with allergenic substances (nickel, chrome, dyes, perfumes, etc.) and/or irritants (chemical products, friction, humid environments, etc.), solutions exist for preventing, relieving and living better with hand eczema at work.
5 simple daily rituals
Do not hesitate
to contact your occupational health services
Why?
To assess occupational risks and take preventive and protective measures whenever possible
How?
It may be necessary to adapt your workstation or activity to limit the impact of hand eczema while at work (personal protective equipment, substitution of allergenic or irritating substances, etc.). Regular monitoring is necessary to evaluate these measures.
Identify factors that make eczema worse
and look for alternatives to avoid them if possible
Why?
A complete allergy assessment is necessary to detect the products responsible for the reactions and to identify the aggravating factors for your eczema
How?
Your general practitioner or occupational physician will refer you to an allergist specialized in skin conditions.
Protect your hands
to limit contact with irritating and/or allergenic substances
Why?
Contact with detergents, degreasers, metals, chemicals, irritants and allergens can make eczema worse
How?
- Wear gloves, but for not longer than 15 minutes at a time to avoid perspiration and maceration which can make eczema worse
- Use barrier creams, which leave a protective film on the skin, like an invisible glove
Pay particular attention
to hand washing
Why?
Washing hands too frequently and/or with unsuitable products tends to worsen the skin condition
How?
- Use products formulated specifically for hand eczema (cleansing oil, dermatological bar)
- Choose fragrance- and soap-free products
- Use hand sanitizer as an alternative to washing hands too frequently, which can make eczema worse
- Avoid using dishwashing liquid to wash your hands: its degreasing action will dry out your already fragile skin
Avoid scratching
lesions
Why?
To avoid making the itching worse: scratching increases the desire to scratch, it’s a vicious circle
How?
- Place something cold on the itchy area (cold pack, refrigerated stones, thermal spring water, etc.) or a moisturizer (try to always have a cream at hand)
- Keep your mind busy so you don’t have to think about the itching
Step 1
Wash your hands with a mild cleansing gel or hand sanitizer
Step 2
Dry your hands if necessary, without rubbing
Step 3
Protect your skin from morning to night with a barrier cream
Step 4
Wear gloves if handling irritants
Step 5
Talk to your doctor to receive appropriate treatment
Related products
1.
Cleanse
1.
Cleanse
2.
Care and treat
3.
Protect
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