My wife absolutely loves gardening, but unfortunately, she suffers from eczema, which flares up when she's working in the soil. She's seen a dermatologist and has been prescribed clobetasol for managing her skin condition. Although she usually wears gloves while gardening, it's still a struggle. I'm curious if anyone else has dealt with similar issues and what strategies or products have helped them manage their eczema while enjoying their gardening hobby. Any advice or tips would really mean a lot!
3 Answers
I can relate! I always try to wear gloves while gardening, but sometimes I forget and just keep going unless it gets painful. It’s also worth noting that the material of the gloves she uses might be contributing to her issues—some can irritate skin more than others. Just something to think about!
Ancient_Climate_2831 made some great points! Using a barrier cream can really help, even something simple like petroleum jelly. Try using powder-free vinyl gloves, then layer on some garden gloves for extra protection. Also, make sure she washes her hands afterward with a dermatologist-approved soap. Has she had any allergy tests to see if certain plants might be triggering her eczema? That could be useful information!
I've had a similar experience! What really works for me is using disposable vinyl gloves. I put Eucerin on my hands first, then put on extra-large vinyl gloves. They seem to hold up better than the regular size ones. Depending on what I'm doing, I sometimes layer on regular gardening gloves over that. I use the same Eucerin and gloves combo for other tasks too, like doing the dishes. It’s been a lifesaver! Good luck to your wife; I know how frustrating it can be.
Just a heads-up, the Eucerin with lanolin has been flagged by dermatologists; it was actually named an allergen this year. I switched to a heavy cream in a jar that works wonders! My son was advised by his dermatologist to use CerVe instead.