Contact

After yesterday’s lamb chop dilemma I’m happy to report no ill effects after thirty hours, so thanks to readers for their prognoses. In particular Rainer’s seems the most likely explanation. Unfortunately, though, I have a new problem pertaining to passenger contact.

Last night I carted home an elderly businessman from the City. Immediately upon boarding he appeared distracted and proceeded to vigorously rub his right hand against the soft leather briefcase on his lap.

At the first red light I happened to glance down just as he briefly regarded his up-turned hand. The palm was totally covered in thickly peeling, dead skin and dissected by angry red crevices. He had a case of acute dermatitis irritating him no end

Years ago when working in the countryside I suffered from a similar, yet much milder condition. At the time a doctor determined, somewhat unconvincingly, that it was a form of petrochemical poisoning. It would arrive periodically by blistering lightly before peeling, thence disappear after a week or two. These days I rarely experience it.

Anyhow we fell into an absorbing rap session about the US Primaries and the Clintons' reckless flirting with race issues. So engrossing was the discussion that by journey’s end he warmly thanked me and spontaneously thrust out his hand for a parting handshake.

Yet I couldn't refuse this friendly gesture and grasped his proffered hand, despite some reluctance to make contact with the dermatitis. Now I’m wondering if it’s contagious and, if so, to what degree of severity.

Phew, the perils of congeniality.

Comments

[Dataceptionist]

generally no, dermatitis is not contagious as it usually flares up due to an allergen the person suffers. Touching it is yukky, but won't hurt you

[Grendel]

I reckon in your job you want to start carrying some antiseptic alcohol gel - if only to put your mind at rest. I suspect that cabbies have to carry a fair range of 'needful' items already and something flammable might not be recommended.

[PQ]

I used to work as a security guard for an armoured car company, and had to constantly handle cash, both notes and coins, and being locked inside an armoured truck, no access to soap and water.
There is nothing filthier on Earth than cash, and it can be covered in anything from human faeces to rodent spit, and everything in between.

I used a waterless hand wash after handling money, and where possible wore disposable gloves. While gloves wouldn't be practical in your cab, hand wash/cleaner is a good secondary hygiene measure.

http://www.handsfirst.com.au/

This stuff is pretty good, or have a chat with your chemist.

[johno]

Just be thankful that it wasn't someone offering an alternative to pay off the fare

[adrian]

Thanks DataR, I can rest easy. And good advice Grendel and PQ, will look into it. Johno, I've only ever received those offers from gay men. Even if one was so inclined this news is enough to deter any such considerations.

[Goldstein]

Eeeww.. there is a real estate agent in Adelaide called S.Phillis, and at the bottom of his signs he'd proudly put "S PHILLIS" -guess what naughty grafitti-ists would turn that into?

Now the signs say "Phillis Realty" or something..

[Taxiku]

In Tokyo cab drivers wear white gloves. It's part of the uniform. I imagine they get a bit uncomfortable in summer, but they would be useful for hygiene.
The only problem would be passenger perception. I've toyed with the idea of wearing gloves, but I might be the only cabbie in the whole USA to do it. It would unnerve people.