Concerns Regarding Chemical Exposure and Skin Sensitivity
Greetings, I'm a 28-year-old male seeking guidance on a health matter. I was employed at a site dedicated to chemical manufacturing where I experienced regular exposure to a variety of compounds, including a washcoat with components like alumina, zirconia, platinum, platinum nanoparticles, silica dust, and organic solvents such as nitric acid and aqua regia. The containment of the washcoat was inadequate, resulting in it being spread throughout the site frequently. I was equipped only with wrist-length nitrile gloves, which often allowed the washcoat to seep underneath, and there were no facilities available for hand washing. Approximately three and a half years into my employment, I developed a heightened sensitivity in my hands to colder temperatures. The skin on the backs of my hands began to become excessively dry, leading to scaling and cracking. Despite applying moisturizing lotion consistently during winter months, I find that my hands can only withstand exposure to the outdoors for a mere two minutes before sustaining damage. Could this be indicative of scleroderma? I have an appointment scheduled with a rheumatologist in January to discuss this further. Until recently, I was unaware of the existence of scleroderma and had assumed my symptoms were merely related to Raynaud's phenomenon. Are there any steps I can take in the meantime?
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 4:20:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're understandably concerned about your symptoms, especially given your history of chemical exposure. Your experiencing dryness, scaling, and cracking of the skin on your hands, particularly in response to cold, along with the potential link to conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon and scleroderma, certainly warrants attention.
Explanation
Heightened sensitivity to cold and skin issues like dryness and cracking can be symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon, where blood flow to the fingers is restricted, often in response to cold or stress. Scleroderma, on the other hand, is a more complex autoimmune condition that can cause skin changes, including tightening and hardening, and may involve other symptoms affecting various body organs. The waiting period until your rheumatologist appointment can be concerning, but there are practical steps you can take to manage your symptoms until then.
Next Steps
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Protect Your Hands: When outdoors, especially in cold weather, wear insulated gloves that cover your entire wrist to limit exposure to cold and moisture. This can help protect against the cold and reduce the risk of further skin damage.
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Consider Soothing Creams: Continue with your moisturizing routine, but try using thicker creams or ointments, such as those containing urea or ceramides, which can provide better hydration and skin barrier support than standard lotions.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from harmful chemicals or soaps that may exacerbate your skin condition. If you need to work with chemicals, ensure that you’re using heavy-duty gloves and protective equipment that are more effective than the wrist-length nitrile gloves you've been using.
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Observation Diary: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any patterns with temperature, exposure, or additional symptoms. This information can be useful for your rheumatologist when you discuss your case.
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Stay Informed: As your appointment approaches, consider researching scleroderma and Raynaud’s phenomenon further to understand them better, while waiting for professional guidance.
Please know that it’s important to take your concerns seriously, and the steps above can help alleviate some of the discomfort while you prepare for your consultation. If at any point your symptoms worsen, such as experiencing extreme pain, significant changes in color, or any other alarming symptoms, be sure to seek help promptly.
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