No, Its Not Herpes...

When I use hand sanitizer, at all, I break out in small blisters all over my hands, and sometimes my feet from all of the touching. These blisters can form into larger blisters. They are very painful. If the fluid isn't drained a very hard and even more painful "scab" occurs, causing itching and scratching, and eventually the scab is ripped off. Eventually the skin around the area peels and takes forever to heal.

When the blisters are popped a thick, viscous liquid comes out. It is pretty gross.

I have found the best way to remedy these blisters, when they occur, is to pop them (I know its against everything we were told as children about blisters and the like, but trust me). For clusters of small blisters on my fingers I use a crystal nail file because these can be sanitized the easiest and don't leave bits of emory board in the open wound. In extreme cases a sterilized needle can be used. Once the liquid has been drained from the blisters I soak my hands in hydrogen peroxide. It will hurt just a bit, but wow, what a difference. With in days, the blisters go away and you can stop being so darn self conscious about your hands and feet.

Of course, the best way to get rid of these blisters is to not use hand sanitizer at all, but sometimes that is the only option... or the offending chemical (or whatever) that is causing the blisters is in some other product that is used, like hand soap, lotion, shampoo, whatever... I have taken to carrying a small bottle of hand soap in my purse just in case there are sketchy alternatives where I go.

Good luck... I know what you're going through, but it doesn't have to beat you down!