Q I work as a health care and need to wash hands with chlorhexidine gluconate hand wash very frequently. They end up really really dry and sore. I moisturise a lot but over the last while they have gotten worse, tight, small cuts and the skin on my finger tips is all cracked and scaly. few days i stop using it and get fine but after some time when i start using it i am back to previous position again
You are probably suffering from irritant contact dermatitis due to the rubber gloves. It need not have a rash; skin cuts, dryness, roughness etc are symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis. Since you have to come in contact with these materials, the best possible option you have is to take care of your hands. Try to wear a set of soft cotton gloves first before putting on the latex gloves. Buy a rich, moisturising hand cream and apply it several times a day. While doing housework or dishes etc also, make sure you wear cloth gloves. See a dermatologist who may prescribe barrier creams or a low-dose corticosteroid ointment (to be used sparingly).