What can be done about itchy, dry hands?

Question

What can I do about dry skin on my hands?

My problem is that I'm working in food service, so they are always wet from washing them all the time, and from cleaning stuff and preparing beverages. I can't stay away from all that while at work and the stuff I prepare would be difficult with gloves, but while i'm working they get really itchy and dry. My cuticles start to crack and peel by the end of the night and it is gross and hurts. And by the end of the week...it's bad. I can't always be running off and putting lotion on either.

Is there anything that can be done to help that skin be more tolerant?

Answer 1

I know what you are going thru. I'm a nurse and are always washing my hands. You need a good over the counter cream for during the day, and a prescription one a night time. During the day I use glysomed (it's in a green tube) and at night time I use Prevex B. It was developed in Europe for people working in a detergent making factory.

Answer 2

Lotion, jelly etc aren't water soluble. Once they are on your hands and the food you prepare they will ended up in the stomach of your customers.

Unless your customers needs extra chemicals in their diet, I would suggest that you wear gloves. There are glove that are made to be closely fit. If surgeons can wear them to perform operations on human hearts, I'm sure it is no problem for food preparation.

Answer 3

i suffer from winter dermititis and it sounds very similar to your situation.
having 2 young kids and a household to run my hands are constantly in water also
i use an ointment called eucerin it is fatty oil based and spread it over my hands liberally then put on cotton gloves and go to bed that way......in the morning there is a noticeable difference. i used to do it every night and now i only do it once a week so i believe my skin is becoming more tolerant to my conditions
you should be able to buy this at a pharmacy

Answer 4

This may be a little gross, but when you go to sleep, take some petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and smear that on your hands. Put an old pair of socks over your hands so that the stuff doesn't go all over you bed. By the morning your hands should be somewhat more moisturized for the next day.

Answer 5

I use something called "bag balm", it's in a green square tin. I put it on at night and then put clean white sox over my hands...in the morning they are 100% better. It's a lot worse in the winter time, and I know it's coming soon. Bag balm. You should be able to buy it at any corner drugstore, or check online even.

Answer 6

Wear food preparation gloves.

Answer 7

At night, while you are sleeping, put some baby oil, or lotion on them. Soak them really good, put gloves or socks on them and sleep like that every night. They should start to heal then.

Answer 8

If you are preparing food for other people for sanitary reasons you should wear your gloves and adjust to the feel of them. You will, in time.

Answer 9

how about u try the real good lotion
if u have real dry skin u have to use a lot of lotion or eat alot of natural fruit

Answer 10

Cocoa butter on your hand immediately and inside a hand glove (must suit your size) to protect it. Eat fish oil and evening primrose oil everyday. Eat as much oranges as you can.