Take a break from wearing your gloves – change single-use medical gloves after every patient. Make sure that they fit properly and are powder-free. If you must use latex gloves, then they should be low-protein and powder-free. Wash your hands after taking off your gloves to remove any chemical contamination.
Use cool/tepid water when washing, to keep hand temperature down. Use hand-wash agents sparingly and rinse hands thoroughly to remove all traces of hand wash. Dry your skin thoroughly with soft paper or cotton towels – pat skin dry, rather than rubbing it. Regularly use emollient hand creams to help prevent the skin from drying, particularly after every clinical session.
Think about how you can put some distance between you and the chemicals – use a mop with a handle, rather than a cloth for cleaning floors and surfaces; substitute irritant chemicals for milder alternatives where available; avoid concentrates and instead use dosing systems such as single-use sachets.
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