Some cleaning products can be harmful to the skin due to the chemicals they contain. Even relatively mild substances can irritate bare hands if used regularly.
While it’s important to maintain high cleaning standards, whether at home or at work, sore skin is to be avoided at all costs. Symptoms can range from mild to debilitating and can include dry skin, itching, irritation, cracking and even bleeding.
General symptoms, known as irritant contact dermatitis, can be localised to the hands and wrists that come into contact with cleaning products. However, for those who suffer a severe reaction, the irritation can spread to other areas.
Research shows skin irritation is particularly prevalent among nurses due to their repeated and frequent use of detergents and soaps. Between 25% and 55% of nurses regularly suffer irritant contact dermatitis. However, as many as 85% report having had skin problems at some time in their career.
Which cleaning products cause irritation?
Skin irritation from bleach can be particularly painful, resulting in angry red welts. If you’re using a strong solution, it’s crucial to wear cleaning gloves to avoid redness and even swelling and blistering from prolonged and repeated use.
Even a mild bleach solution can cause skin problems. In fact, bleach and ammonia-based cleaning products are the most notorious chemical irritants. They are likely to carry warning labels, such as “danger” or “use in a well-ventilated area” to let you know they contain harsh chemicals that can affect the skin.
Ammonia is mainly found in floor cleaners, disinfectant, glass cleaners and all-purpose cleaning products.
Other serious irritants include chloride and alkyl ammonium chloride, which are common in mould and mildew removers.
Drain cleaners contain hydrochloric acid (a serious irritant), while the sodium bisulphate found in toilet cleaners can also cause painful skin conditions.
Sodium or potassium hydroxide, found in oven cleaners, is incredibly toxic.
What are the other irritants?
It’s not just powerful cleaning products that can cause problems. Relatively gentle soaps and detergents can dry out your skin, especially if you're sensitive to them, or use them often enough.
Skin irritation from soap is another common reaction. A lot of hand washing, even with a fairly mild soap and water, can strip our skin of its natural oils. This is a condition colloquially known as “dishpan hands”.
The skin starts to look dry and chapped at first. However, continued use of the irritant, without treatment, can cause the skin to crack and bleed.
Ordinary hand washing soap, washing up liquid, dish-washer soap, body washes and bubble baths can all cause this reaction.
How to prevent skin damage
You can’t stop cleaning - especially if it’s part of your job! So, how can you continue without it being harmful to your skin?
If you know you’re allergic to certain cleaning agents, simply use alternative products. Always read the labels to check what the product contains. If it has a warning sticker, it’s likely to include some of the harsher chemicals that can cause more irritation.
Some research has suggested alcohol-based cleaning products are less harmful to the skin than detergents. They are better tolerated than other chemical based cleaners, as the ethanol is less irritating than isopropanol.
Wearing gloves for cleaning is the solution if you have to use certain detergents or chemicals as part of your day-to-day.
Disposable rubber gloves can help eliminate skin irritants. There are many different types on the market for just about every sector and use.
Vinyl gloves are a common choice. A synthetic material made from PVC, it is highly durable and offers a longer expiry date than options made of other materials. Vinyl gloves will feel smooth and comfortable, as they have a looser fit. They can also be manufactured to a high standard of compliance as a Class 1 Medical Device.
Latex glovesare used in a wide range of environments and applications, in both professional and home settings. Like vinyl, they can also be made to comply with the high standards required to be a Class 1 Medical Device.
Nitrile gloves are an ideal synthetic alternative for people who suffer with latex allergies or sensitive skin, as they don’t contain any latex proteins. They also provide excellent puncture resistance, tactile sensitivity and barrier protection against contaminants and chemicals, while offering extended durability.
While cleaning products are one of the main causes of skin irritation, taking the necessary precautions can prevent this from becoming a serious problem.
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