Chlorhexidine and dematitis (contact)

Hi,

I'm currently a nursing student in New Zealand.

During clinical placements in hospitals I have been using chlorhexidine to to wash my hands but have been experienicing contact dermatitis due to using it. It only takes about a day and my hands become itchy and small lumps appear. It resolves itself in about four days if I stop using chlorhexidine.

This only occurs on my hands but understandibly it is very frustrating indeed.

So I was wondering if there is anyone else who expereiences this and how they manage it?

And is there a product that is more suitable to use that wont cause this reaction in the clinical setting?

Thanks

Jeremy

My hands reacted to the foam based alcohol hand sanitizer at 2 hospitals. SO I simply brought my own hand gel sanitizer, and spoke w the nurse manager who approved. SO I kept one in my pocket and 1 on my COW. no more skin issues after that.
You will have to do something before you get an infection.