(NC) Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a big concern for nurses and other healthcare professionals who wash their hands and use sanitizers. The condition can cause severe discomfort and impact their ability to perform their duties effectively.

“Living with chronic hand eczema is tricky. I have to constantly monitor what I’m touching to avoid triggering flares,” shares Amy Wright, a Canadian nurse living with the condition.

This constant vigilance can be exhausting and adds an extra layer of stress to an already demanding profession. Fortunately, increased awareness, support and appropriate treatment can help people living with CHE manage their symptoms, ensuring that those who care for others can also care for themselves.

To help healthcare professionals, workplaces can offer alternative soaps and skincare products. This can help reduce the frequency and severity of eczema flares and support the one quarter of sufferers who have to miss work due to their condition.

Finding support and proper treatment is crucial, especially for nurses like Amy.

“You’re not alone. Finding a community of support can be helpful in validating your experience and finding potential solutions. That said, it’s still important to be seen by a dermatologist to make sure your symptoms aren’t related to another health problem, and to get treatment to alleviate your symptoms.”

If you’re a nurse or healthcare professional experiencing symptoms of CHE, don’t suffer in silence; speak with a qualified health professional to learn more about preventative treatment options and other tools that can help. Proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.