Skin that is intact (has no cuts, scratches, abrasions, cracks or dryness) provides a barrier against germs. Frequent hand hygiene can cause some people’s skin to become damaged (known as dermatitis) and allow germs to enter the body (Based on material provided by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council).
The most common form of dermatitis is irritant contact dermatitis. This is mainly due to frequent and repeated use of hand hygiene products, especially soaps and other detergents, and paper towels which cause the skin to dry out. Symptoms may include dryness, irritation, itching, cracking and bleeding, and can range from mild to severe (Based on material provided by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council).
Allergic contact dermatitis is rare and is caused by an allergy to one or more ingredients in a hand hygiene product (Source: Australian National Health and Medical Research Council).
Hand care products containing soothing ingredients (emollients) are readily available and can reduce irritant contact dermatitis. Regularly moisturising hands can also help reduce dryness and irritation (Based on material provided by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council).
Factors that may contribute to dermatitis include:
- using products containing fragrances and preservatives—these should be kept to a minimum or eliminated
- not wetting hands before applying soap
- washing hands with soap and water immediately before or after using an alcohol-based hand rub
- putting on gloves while hands are still wet from either hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand rub
- using hot water for hand washing
- allowing skin to dry out
- using rough paper towels.
(Based on material provided by the Australian National Health and Medical Council).
When buying hand sanitisers, soaps and moisturising lotions, make sure they are chemically compatible, this will minimise skin reactions and make sure that the hand hygiene products work effectively together. It is advisable to buy hand hygiene and hand care products from a range made by a single manufacturer, as this may help to make sure that the products are compatible. Speak to your supplier for advice on chemically compatible products (Based on material provided by the Australian National Health and Medical Council).
