Could This Be a Chemical Burn?
Age: 34 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 6 inches Weight: 180 pounds Ethnicity: Caucasian Symptoms Duration: 14 days Affected Area: Both hands Patient History: 34-year-old female with a medical history of dysphasia and various gastrointestinal issues. Current Medications: Being treated with Zosyn and Bactrim. About two weeks ago, while cleaning the bathroom using "Scrubbing Bubbles Foam Bathroom Spray," I did not utilize gloves. The following day, I noticed my hands were turning red and peeling. Since that initial observation, the condition has steadily worsened and become more persistent. I am experiencing a burning sensation in my hands, which feel hot and extremely dry. The discomfort is reminiscent of having a lighter passed over my skin. In an attempt to alleviate the symptoms, I have tried several treatments, including 1% Hydrocortisone, 2% Mupirocin (which I already had at home), Aquaphor, and TubbyTodd's unscented ointment, yet none have provided relief. I wore a ring on the day of the incident, but after removing it, I still notice a red mark and peeling in that area. I am uncertain whether this issue stems from a chemical burn or eczema, and I am unsure if it warrants an urgent care visit, especially since my primary care physician is unavailable until August 5th. The same goes for my dermatologist. I have included a picture from the first day as well as a recent photo; my right hand exhibits the same type of burn in a similar location.
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 6:20:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort from a reaction on your hands, likely related to your exposure to a cleaning product. Given your symptoms and the duration, it's possible that this could be a chemical burn or an irritant dermatitis. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider and steps you can take:
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may suggest a chemical burn or irritant dermatitis from cleaning products.
- The burning sensation, redness, and peeling are concerning and warrant careful management.
- There are specific self-care strategies to help alleviate discomfort.
Explanation:
Chemical burns can occur when skin comes in contact with irritants, especially if they contain strong cleaning agents. Given that you used a bathroom cleaner and didn't wear gloves, your skin may have reacted to the chemicals. Symptoms such as redness, peeling, and a burning sensation are common in such cases. The absence of relief from over-the-counter creams suggests that a simple anti-inflammatory treatment may not suffice and that the skin barrier is likely compromised.
Next Steps:
-
Immediate Care:
- Avoid further exposure: Stop using the cleaning product that may have caused the reaction and avoid any further irritants (like scented soaps, hot water, or other chemicals).
- Cool compresses: Apply cool, damp cloths to your hands for 15-20 minutes several times a day to soothe irritation.
- Moisturize frequently: Use thick, fragrance-free emollients (like Aquaphor or Eucerin) to help restore the skin barrier. Apply immediately after washing your hands and several times throughout the day.
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Assess for Infection: Check the affected areas for signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus). If you notice these signs, it may be necessary to seek care more urgently.
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Symptom Monitoring:
- Keep track of how the symptoms evolve. If redness and peeling continue to worsen or if new symptoms arise, such as blisters or severe pain, it may become more urgent to seek medical attention.
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Follow Up: Once you're able, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or a dermatologist for further evaluation and tailored treatment.
If the discomfort becomes severe or unmanageable, or if any signs of infection are noted, it's advisable to seek immediate medical care. I hope this provides clarity and support as you manage your symptoms. Please remember to prioritize your self-care!
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