Over worked over washed dry hands and skin

Over-Worked-Over-Washed Dry Hands and Skin How many times does a nurse wash their hands in a twelve-hour shift? It averages out to be 37 times. If you asked a sanitation professional, they would likely say this should be more often. In between those 37 times there is hand sanitizer, and other agents that dry hands, causing cracked skin and sores. You certainly cannot stop washing hands; however you can treat hands to some TLC and keep them in tip top shape.

Proper Washing Many medical facilities cut costs in certain areas, and unfortunately the available soap may be one of them. Harsh soap can wreak havoc on your over worked and over washed hands, but there are tricks that you can do to help. Find a couple small containers, such as sample bottles. One will do, just fill the small container with a quality soap from home, but just fill ¾ full.

Fill the remainder with hair conditioner and shake well. Before washing hands at work, shake well again, then lather up. The hair conditioner can help soften hands while conditioning, and protects against moisture loss. Be sure to find a small bottle with a pop up squirt lid to make it quick and easy.

This is much better for hands than soaps in machines at the hospital. Pat dry, don’t rub, and your hands will feel better instantly.

Applying Products to Hands Lotions can be beneficial, however selecting the right lotion to use at work is very important. Some lotions are greasy, which is fine at home, but not when you are handling needles and medication containers. Be sure to choose a lotion that is non-greasy, it should declare this on the label.

Related: 5 Ways to Get Rid of Hunger Pains When You Can't Take Lunch Hand Treatments You don’t need a paraffin machine to give yourself a spa hand treatment.

Purchase paraffin wax, Amazon has a great selection. Add a couple drops of essential oil in your favorite fragrance for a real spa like treatment. Place the wax in a gallon size Ziploc bag and microwave. Watch closely, it melts quickly. Be sure to test, squish around in bag so there are no hot spots.

Once it’s warm, but not too hot, place one or both hands in bag and cover with wax. Once completely covered remove and let wax harden. Peel wax away and you will see fresh soft skin, but don’t stop there. Follow by placing a small amount of Vaseline and hand lotion in a container, and microwave until lukewarm. Slather on both hands, and cover with plastic or cotton

gloves, socks work also. Leave on for 15 minutes, remove and pat dry. At this point you could be a hand model, but save those hands for the important work as a nurse.

There are many treatments for dry skin, however products such as Vaseline, and baby oil are some of the old remedies that still work the best today.

Coconut oil and olive oil are great moisturizers as well, just be sure to wash hands before trying to hold items, the oils are greasy. Be sure to wear gloves in winter, and apply lotion often. If you do get dry cuticles and finger tips, try rubbing Chapstick of the affected areas, it tends to act as a moisture barrier. Once a month or so, poke open a couple vitamin E capsules and give hands an added treat of rubbing the oil over them, followed by a thick cream or lotion that will seal the oil in.

Go ahead and wash hands often, it protects you from many illnesses and germs, just wash hands in a method that will help and not harm. There is no proof that antibacterial soap works better than any other soap, so treat hands nicely, and keep them healthy and looking great.

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