Contact with shampoo, washing powder, metal, latex and even water can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction for people with dermatitis. Even the support you use to protect your skin may aggravate your dermatitis, so it is important to follow a few guidelines when choosing your wrist wrap supports. Always do so with the help of a qualified health care provider.
Symptoms
Signs of dermatitis include red, itchy, cracked and flaky skin, or skin that is dry and bumpy, blisters, and burning or stinging sensations, note skin care experts at Skin Care Physicians. Irritant contact dermatitis usually occurs with repeated contact with a mild irritant, but brief contact with a strong substance can also be a risk factor. Allergic contact dermatitis usually occurs several hours after contact with a certain irritant.
Prevention
Identify the irritant and avoid it whenever possible. The Endo Nurse website recommends that nurses wear protective gowns, gloves and eyewear when exposed to certain chemicals known to exacerbate dermatitis. Gowns and gloves should be impervious to fluids, and gloves should be made from butyl or nitrile.
Dermatitis Care
If you suffer from extreme irritation, always seek medical advice, but there are a few things you can try at home first. Specialists at Ohio Health Online recommend using a hydrocortisone cream, with at least 1 percent active ingredient, or calamine lotion to relieve the itching. Avoid scratching and use a cool, wet bandage to cover the affected area. Alternatively, take a cool bath doused with raw oatmeal or baking soda. Wear smooth natural fibers to prevent irritation, and use skin care products without perfumes and dyes.
Wrist Wrap Supports
In 2009, a group of Canadian scientists and wound care specialists wrote a list of recommendations for wound care clinicians, which was published in the journal "Advances in Skin and Wound Care." The scientists emphasized the need for those with dermatitis to avoid wearing irritating fabrics such as wool and nylon.
Choose a wrist wrap support made of cotton, and don't use a fabric softener or bleach, as this will cause the fabric to protrude, which may further irritate the skin. Use a cup of white vinegar in place of fabric softener to remove excess detergent, which can also irritate the skin.
