Dermatitis
My teenage son has a summer job in our local delicatessen. Within a couple of days of starting work he developed a rash on both hands which is red, itchy and blistered. His employers thought it was a reaction to the detergents they use so took him off washing up duties but the problem persists. Could it be the rubber gloves he has to wear when handling food?
It sounds like your son has developed contact dermatitis. This is inflammation of the skin caused by an allergic or irritating reaction to certain substances he has come in contact with.
This reaction can come on slowly and is known as chronic dermatitis.As your sons reaction came on suddenly it is referred to as acute contact dermatitis. Many substances can bring on dermatitis. Irritation of the skin is commonly caused by detergents or soaps, solvents, oils, acids and alkalis.
Susceptible individuals can have an allergic reaction to plants, chemicals in perfumes, cosmetics, and jewellery. Coins containing nickel, chromate (found in leather and cement) and dyes are common precipitants. Contact with resins, glues and some medicines can also trigger the problem.
The other common product that can cause a reaction is rubber (latex). As your son has been wearing rubber gloves they could be the cause of the problem.
I've been giving him moisturiser to use and it seems to be helping a little. Is there anything else that might speed up his recovery?
The first step in sorting this problem is to remove contact with the irritant. If he suspects the gloves are the problem he should stop wearing them to see if there is an improvement. But the only way to accurately determine the cause of the reaction is to have a patch test done. This involves various substances being applied to the skin to find which one he reacts to.
Your son should see the family doctor who will recommend an anti-inflammatory cream containing hydrocortisone. Barrier creams and moisturisers such as E45 are also useful in preventing a recurrence of the problem. Your doctor may also refer him to a dermatologist for patch testing of the problem. If your son is allergic to the rubber in the gloves then using ones that have a cotton lining may help.