Hi alcohol hand gel

[Hellybear]

Hi I’m a newby was just wondering if anyone else has a problem with alcohol hand gel being used near them it is a trigger for my asthma Big Problem as everyone is being encouraged to use it now ! Thanks

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Yup. Some of them really cause an issue with my lungs, others are ok. My plan is to use my own hand gel that doesn’t give me too much agro if i can’t use soap, and avoid lingering at hand gel stations.

Hope that helps (also like the idea for the tag for no masks)

[Hellybear in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks yes it does

I agree don’t know how I’m ever going to get back to work as everyone is encourage to smother themselves in hand gel as they enter the building

Ironic isn’t it the thing people think will help keep them safe is harmful to our health ! Typical

[Junglechicken]

Massive problem for me. Used some at the start of the pandemic which resulted in a nasty wheeze. It has a very strong odour which is one of my triggers. I’m sticking to hand washing with non scented soap which is just as good. It’s a bit awkward when I’ve been out food shopping as the staff do expect you to use it as you go in. I printed off a badge that says I’m exempt from wearing a mask due to asthma as I was starting to experience disapproving glances from fellow shoppers. I’ve also used it to explain why I can’t use the hand sanitiser.

[Hellybear in reply to Junglechicken]

Oh good idea Re badge

Thanks for your reply I’m sorry you suffer too but comforting to know I’m not alone

[smltz]

I don't have a problem with unscented hand gels, but some of the scented ones are very bad, just as with other perfumed products

[Hellybear in reply to smltz]

Oh ok thanks that’s interesting

[Willow7733]

Oh yes! Never thought it was one of my triggers, but turns out it is. Every store you go into, they make you use their sanitizer, and within minutes I have to leave ( even when wearing my mask). It is awful.

[Hellybear in reply to Willow7733]

It’s dreadful isn’t it ....

[Willow7733 in reply to Hellybear]

It is! People here are standing at the door making you use it. You can’t go in unless you use their sanitizer. I have my own. I am just going to shop in line from now on. But sometimes it is hard because I need the item right away. Right now, on days off, I am trying to stain the deck of my house. I have no choice but to go into the store. So frustrating, and very uncomfortable.

[Hellybear in reply to Willow7733]

It’s going to definitely make us not want to go out again

[Willow7733 in reply to Hellybear]

I just came home from an appointment with my optometrist. They have someone at the front door to take your temperature and screen you....and hand sanitizer! It was so strong. Even with my mask on, by the time I walked back to the office for my eye tests, I was wheezing. I was able to hide it though (don’t like people to hear me). These days, it is SO hard to keep my coughs in. I needed to cough so bad. But I fought it until my appointment was over. The sanitizers are everywhere. It is a new “normal” I guess.

[Hellybear in reply to Willow7733]

☹️ it’s everywhere

[Maileg7]

I react too to handgels/perfumes etc,its hard. Also i have eczema so can't use them,they wreck my hands,so sore!! I use dermol lotion to wash hands at home prescribed from GP,you can order online as well. Difficult to use when out though. I have a natural hand sanitiser i take with me and then when i get home/work i wash thoroughly with dermol. Agree with Willow33 about shopping online to avoid. Click and collect once a week is working well for me. Spending less and its made me more organised. Not much help there but you have my sympathy!!

[Junglechicken in reply to Maileg7]

Which natural hand sanitiser do you use? Sounds good.

[Maileg7 in reply to Junglechicken]

I use Dr Bronner,its not a cheap one,it can irritate my skin a bit if used too much and sometimes the lavender in it can irritate asthma but i find its one of the better ones. You can make your own. Haven't ventured that far yet! There are quite a few natural ones out there,unscented ones as well. I only use when out as i find the dermol is the best for handwashing.

[Junglechicken in reply to Maileg7]

That’s great thank you. Lavender does unfortunately trigger a wheeze for me but I’ll keep trying to find one that works.

[Maileg7 in reply to Junglechicken]

Bentley organic is perfume free, also i think alcohol free. Thats a good one as well.

[Hellybear in reply to Maileg7]

Thankyou I agree keeping home and safe away from the shops

[JustR]

I was at the hospital today and was made to use the hand sanitiser they had out..it was so strong and left my hands so sticky. Went straight to my chest and it was horrible🙈

[Hellybear in reply to JustR]

☹️ really bad isn’t it .... wonder how many people will have reactions now due to its wide use ?

[JustR in reply to Hellybear]

I wish I’d just used my own. I find the dettol one to be ok and carex. Quite a lot of people were wearing gloves from what I could see.

[Hellybear in reply to JustR]

Ah ok I’ll look out for those Thankyou

If I can find one I don’t react to maybe I can organise it for people to use at work too Good to know you are better with some but not other products .

I’m like that with screen wash In the car some I’m ok but others take my breath away

[Maileg7 in reply to Hellybear]

So reassuring this page. Glad you mentioned about the screenwash! Me too!