A Question

[SilverOrb]

I'm looking for work now, and I was just thinking about something.

Most places you work at have a rule about hand washing.

I have extremely sensitive skin, and almost EVERY soap I use causes an allergic reaction. Itching, burning, redness, pain.

Usually what I do is rinse my hands well in as hot of water as I have access to/ can stand. I then use hand sanitizer (I carry it around with me everywhere).

Is that acceptable?

[Chanlin]

I would imagine it would have to be. I would say in this situation a doctors note stating this as a medical condition would carry the most weight for something like this. At least then any place that would hire you would have no choice but to follow the doctors instructions.

Beyond that I will also say you may stand to lose job opportunities based on this, but at the same time this is not something you would want to keep from a potential employer for fear of not being hired.

[Primer]

one word: gloves

Be prepared to purchase your own supply of gloves if you intend on working in a food service job. A few places do provide gloves, but most do not. Frequently donning fresh gloves is the only way I know of to avoid constant exposure to soaps.

Good Luck!

[tropicsgoddess]

I'm looking for work now, and I was just thinking about something.

Most places you work at have a rule about hand washing.

I have extremely sensitive skin, and almost EVERY soap I use causes an allergic reaction. Itching, burning, redness, pain.

Usually what I do is rinse my hands well in as hot of water as I have access to/ can stand. I then use hand sanitizer (I carry it around with me everywhere).

Is that acceptable?

My SO has sensitive skin that peels like hell depending on the soap he uses. The hand sanitizer works good, I would suggest to also try the Free and Clear/Natural/Green type of hand soaps. You can even get those types of dish washing soaps, detergents,etc. for your home too. MY SO's mom bought some dish washing soap from Seventh Generation and it's great!

Here's a couple of links for ya.


Seventh Generation


Drug Store.com's Listing of Green/Natural Hand Soap Products


I'm not sure what area you live in and what drug stores are common there, but this should give you a good idea of what to look for.

[Sheldonrs]

Would you be able to carry a small bottle of the soap you ARE able to use?
I don't have sensitive skin but I used to do this when I didn't like the smell of the soap available at work.
You could buy one of those travel size bottles of something and empty it out and then fill it with the right stuff.
And that way, any potential employers would have no legitimate gripes.

[Becks]

A few places do provide gloves, but most do not.

Really? A lot of places that I have worked at and frequent to spend my hard earned money provide gloves for employees.

[SilverOrb]

I think part of the issue is that a lot of places, while they do provide gloves, may use latex ones. A lot of places find latex more readily available, and may not think to use vinyl.

On another note, I have tried all natural products (I am super into homeopathic remedies) and I still have reactions to them. Weirdly, the only soap I can use is Dr. Bronners castile soap from GNC. I have even tried baby products.

[Gothicsmurf]

I guess it depends on what kind of work you do. I found that a lot of food work requires a lot of hand washing.

But have found that when signs that say, "Employees Must Wash hands" - people don't.

If you work an office job, that should be alright I would assume.

[BarbieGirl]

A little OT but I'll throw this out there. I love Cetaphil, it's a non soap cleanser great on sensitive skin.

Also my friend has a similar problem, she has to wear cotton gloves and then plastic etc gloves on top before she can use soaps to clean etc. Which might also work for you if you have latex allergies.

[LostMyMind]

Unfortunately, it's not the employer's option. If you can't use anti-bacterial soap, you most likely not going to get a job in food service. It's a health law issue, not a company policy issue.

I would check with the local Health department if there are alternatives in their rules. It might be required by local county or state laws. Gloves might be an option, but you might still be required to wash with soap.

[donruss]

Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for soap. Bring some of your own in.