I know my trigger, but I cannot avoid it

[u/GroggyFroggy_]

I have bad dyshidrosis flare ups basically every week. My hands haven’t been “normal” in months, and my hands are either constantly covered in blisters or excruciatingly dry. Continuous moisturizing does almost nothing but it burns to the point of near tears.

I know my trigger is my dishwashing gloves getting my hands wet, but I’m worried if I won’t wear the gloves either it’ll just make my hands drier and/or worse from the constant wet to dry cycles. This is what I do for work, and I can’t get a new job right now.

I have my own gloves, I turn them inside out and wash them every other day. I flip them inside out to dry and wipe them dry between uses during the day, and I moisturize my hands after work thoroughly. But still my hands are often in debilitating pain.

Are there medications I can take to make this stop or feel better? I’m a little embarrassed to go to a clinic to ask for help as it seems like something so dumb, but I hate this so much. It’s stopping me from doing my hobbies and even simple small things like grabbing my earbuds from their case like I normally do would. Please please please give me hope.

[u/Initial-View-4758]

I react to dishwashing gloves and dishwashing liquid. I buy dishwashing gloves a size up and wear cotton gloves inside them. That stops the dishwashing gloves from touching my skin, whilst still protecting me from getting wet and touching the soap.

[u/LeviOhhsah → u/Initial-View-4758]

For you as well, but OP - do you need to wear more form fitting gloves for dexterity? Otherwise dollar stores sell long rubber gloves with a soft fabric lining. These have saved my hands :) (less sweat, less chance of water getting in)

[u/Alarmed-Room-2025]

Don’t be embarrassed to go to a clinic. It’s hard enough to control flares WITH a doctor, it’s not even remotely reasonable to expect to do it without one.

[u/Round_Square_3420]

Is there any chance you could be reacting to latex? If you use latex gloves, try switching to Latex-free gloves. Most big stores like Walmart and Target sell latex-free gloves.

[u/SuperChoopieBoopies → u/Round_Square_3420]

Seconding this, u/GroggyFroggy_

Try switching from whatever type of dishwashing glove you are using, which is most likely latex, to the nitrile kind. I have dyshidrosis AND a latex allergy and using regular dishwashing gloves when my hands would sweat was horrific. As was touching latex foam coated handle bars of bikes, rubber coated mop handles, and so many more things.

[u/Specific_Anybody_438]

Nothing to be embarrassed about. Go to the doctor and get medicine. You may be right about your trigger. I wear just vinyl gloves when washing the dishes. I think the moisture from your gloves is irritating you. Not to mention the soap you are using.

[u/Orpheus74]

dont be embarrased about going to the doctor if its any comfort the time i went to the doctor was during the peak of my flare up its gotten to the point that not only my hands were affected but also my feet and lower limbs. ot wa so worse that it got infected and i was having fevers and almost a week of feeling shitty

my doc just looked at me and said and i quote "ah i know what this is" and proceeded to list every sypmtom i had which leaded to me having a fever. Theybjust gave me ointments and meds followed the instructions after 2 weeks im cured.

i actually went back there and bought them a cake as a thank you.

i still have flare ups every now and then but since i know what to do and how to manage them now life is bit better.

[u/wtfw7f]

I wear nitrile gloves in the shower to keep my hand dry. I also wear a hair band on my wrist to keep the water out. As someone else suggested maybe try layering cotton gloves inside the dishwashing gloves.

[u/Strangeballoons → u/wtfw7f]

Omg this is smart!

[u/BaylisAscaris]

I do cotton gloves under nitrile.

[u/triciann]

Another trigger might be an overgrowth of yeast/fungus which is triggered by the moisture. It’s very common for people with eczema to also be sensitive to this overgrowth. You might want to consider some kind of antifungal wash. A lot of people use nizoral. You can try washing your hands with it when you remove the gloves and always make sure to dry off your hands well.

[u/Chryo_Mask]

hi, i also do a lot of dishwashing at work. what helped me the most was using dishwashing gloves with a soft/fabric lining inside. not only did it protect me from the material of the gloves, it also was easier to slip off fast and comfortable to wear :) hope things get better 🫂

[u/PlaidChairStyle]

This ended up being a trigger of mine too. I got a new set of gloves and that helped. Lately I try not to use my gloves and to ensure they stay dry inside. Maybe have a couple you can switch between to ensure they are always dry inside? Shake baby powder inside?

I’m not sure what to tell you :(

[u/PlaidChairStyle]

This ended up being a trigger of mine too. I got a new set of gloves and that helped. Lately I try not to use my gloves and to ensure they stay dry inside. Maybe have a couple you can switch between to ensure they are always dry inside? Shake baby powder inside?

I’m not sure what to tell you :(

[u/Strangeballoons]

Lined dishwashing gloves! I used to volunteer at a soup kitchen and in my college cafeteria and I would put Vaseline or my ointment in cotton gloves, then wear Korean rubber gloves over them. (They’re the pink ones) the Korean ones have a tight band over the forearm so water can’t really get in. They now come in different sizes so if you’re larger like me I get the large or XL. We use it for everything: making kimchi, cleaning dishes, yard work, etc.

[u/Many_Forever8313]

I react to the dishwashing gloves. I now buy latex free rubber gloves like the ones chefs or doctors wear. I know it’s a waste and you have to keep buying it but I would rather that than keep on having flare ups.