mechanic rash

working as a diesel mechanic, wearing coveralls all day and rolling around in dirt and sut from the various jobs that are completed or need to be completed, has somehow affected the skin around various areas such as: back, thigh, butt, and chest areas. is there any type of preventative or ointment that can be used?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

As you are mostly wearing overalls and dealing with grease and dirt every day,so take a comfortably cool bath and wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. You should choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes and use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing clothes, towels and bedding.

At work, use commercial cleansers to clean up, rather than solvents or abrasive hand cleansers.Also do regular cleaning of the exposed skin and apply moisturizers liberally over the parts.It a greasy fragrance-free moisturiser.Also eat good nutritious diet and keep yourself well hydrated.If any skin rashes occur,then it can be treated using a cream, spray or powder containing Hydrocortisone (HC) and an antifungal agent such as Clotrimazole.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.