Are you experiencing skin irritation?

ADDRESSING SKIN IRRITATION OR DERMATITIS IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, frequently experience skin irritation, or dermatitis. However, there is a tendency to downplay skin conditions as an inevitable part of the profession. Given the frequent exposure to irritants such as medical gloves, including surgical gloves, and repeated hand disinfection, it is crucial to prevent the onset and worsening of skin irritation.

This page aims to enhance awareness of the risks associated with skin irritation, help identify potential causes, and provide effective strategies for prevention and management.

The main causes and symptoms of skin irritation or dermatitis

Symptoms such as itching, cracking, and inflammation of the hands can have multiple underlying causes. Understanding the specific cause of these symptoms is essential for preventing the onset or exacerbation of skin irritation or dermatitis. The primary causes of hand-related skin conditions can generally be classified into the following three categories:

Individuals with Type I allergies (e.g., latex allergy), Type IV allergies (e.g., chemical substance allergy) or irritant contact dermatitis face a significant risk of developing more serious health conditions if they continue to be exposed and can impact both daily life and professional activities. They also place the patient at possible risk of infection. If your skin condition is allergy-related, the allergen may be present in commonly used items such as surgical gloves or exam gloves. It is important to review the products you use regularly to identify and mitigate potential allergen exposure. Skin care is also essential.

The impact of allergies on individuals

Hear the experiences of surgeons and nurses who developed skin irritation due to allergies. How did their lives change as their symptoms worsened? Their stories serve as a crucial reminder that skin irritation can develop into something more serious and are not issues to be overlooked by healthcare professionals facing similar challenges.

LATEX ALLERGY CAN BE LIFE CHANGING

“Living with a latex allergy has changed everything about my life, my career, my family and everything I do.”

Melita Taylor - Registered Nurse

SEVERE ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS NEARLY ENDS SURGEONS’ CAREER

“It was very painful. It affected my work, I had to take time-off. My atopic dermatitis wasn’t going to get any better unless I gave up my job as a surgeon.”

Dr. Chris Liao - Surgeon

CRACKED SKIN LEADS TO INFECTED FINGER AND SURGERY

“My hands got so bad … I got an infection to my little finger. I needed to go to theatre to have this incised and drained.”

Ian Laws - Paediatric Nurse

How Non-Latex Medical Gloves Address the Problem

Unlike traditional latex gloves, which can trigger Type I latex allergic reactions, non-latex gloves are crafted from materials such as nitrile or neoprene. Designed to be gentle on sensitive skin, these gloves don’t compromise on durability or performance. For non-sterile examination gloves, nitrile gloves are highly durable, flexible, and resistant to punctures and chemicals, making them ideal for medical environments. By adopting non-latex gloves, healthcare facilities can create a safer, more comfortable experience for everyone.