Anyone who has suffered from eczema as a child would be well advised to avoid exposure to irritants in later life, even if their eczema appears to have cleared up. Surveys have shown that such people are far more likely to suffer from irritation to the skin on their hands. Occupational dermatitis – a common complaint of cleaners, beauticians, hairdressers, motor mechanics, nurses and laundry-workers – is roughly ten times more likely among those who once suffered from eczema. Such jobs should be avoided, and so should the use of cosmetics – sparing use and a regular change of brands is the best policy. ‘Hypoallergenic’ cosmetics are useful, in that they lack perfumes and other potential irritants, but the name is somewhat misleading, because they too can provoke allergies if used often enough.
Housework, of course, is a necessary evil, which only the lucky few can avoid. The obvious way to prevent trouble is to wear rubber gloves. Unfortunately, rubber itself can be an irritant, especially in the warm, humid conditions that prevail within such gloves. Wear cotton gloves inside the rubber ones to prevent direct contact with the skin, and avoid using very hot water because the cooler the hands are within the gloves the better.
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