What to do if a healthcare worker has dermatitis?

What to do if you have hand dermatitis: Practical steps for healthcare workers

There are several key actions that a healthcare worker with contact dermatitis should take and this should include  the following levels of actions. This is also available for download as a coloured flow chart you can print- click here: healthcare workers flowchart-final 2017

1. Report skin problem to management

• Reporting a skin problem can allow workplaces to keep a register of hand problems in a particular department and/or across the whole organisation
• Report skin problems early, don’t wait until your hands are in bad condition
• If your hands are sore, don’t stop following hand hygiene, as you risk your own health and your patients’ health with hospital acquired infection

2. Good skin care practices 

Reduce hand washing where possible

• Hand washing is the most common cause of hand dermatitis
• Reduce hand washing where possible (unless hands visibly soiled) and use an alcohol based handrub (ABHR) instead
• Use mild hand wash where possible
• Use warm water and not hot water for hand washing
• Dry hands thoroughly

Use alcohol based hand rubs (ABHR)

• Use ABHR where possible
• ABHR may sting hands if split and cracked. If it does sting, it does not necessarily mean you are allergic to it.

Moisturise

• Moisturise regularly, especially at the start of the day, at meal breaks, after work and before bed.
• A cream in a tub or tube is more effective than a lotion.At home
  • Use soap substitutes where possible
  • Reduce the amount of wet work by using appropriate gloves
  • Moisturise regularly

   3. See GP or Staff Health Clinic

  If the previous advice has not improved your hand dermatitis,  you will need to see a doctor:

  • You may need script for topical corticosteroid ointment or cream to apply to your hands
  • You may need to have a blood test to determine if you are allergic to latex (RAST)
  • You may need some time off to let your skin heal, or a rostering change

  4. See a dermatologist

  • If there has still not been improvement, you may need a referral from your GP to see a dermatologist or attend a Dermatology Outpatient Clinic in a hospital
  • You may be referred to a special clinic for patch testing.
  • Patch testing is used to diagnose an allergy to something that your skin is coming into contact with.

  If you need further information please email [email protected] or phone 03 9623 9402

  Practical advice for Infection control staff and hand hygiene officers managing nurses with hand dermatitis- flow chart for control staff 

  This flow chart has been designed to assist Infection control staff and hand hygiene officers manage and advise nurses and health care workers with hand dermatitis or hand rashes.  This should only act as a guide and personalised medical attention should be sought.

  Infection control flowchart-final 2018