Effects of skin washing frequency on the epidermal barrier function and inflammatory processes of the epidermis: An experimental study

Abstract

Background Increased hand hygiene measures during the COVID‐19 pandemic have led to an increased quantum of hand eczema (HE). Objectives To examine the effects of varying washing frequencies using current mild cleansing agents—alongside with the effect of a rehydrating cream—on the epidermal barrier function and inflammatory processes of the stratum corneum(SC). Methods Standardized skin washings on the volar aspects of the lower arms of skin‐healthy volunteers were performed using the automated cleansing device either 5 or 11 times within 4 h for 60 s each with a standard cleanser, a lipid‐containing syndet, or a lipid‐containing syndet followed by one‐time application of a rehydrating cream. Skin bioengineering parameters (transepidermal water loss, SC hydration, erythema, and SC pH) and biochemical/immunological parameters (interleukin‐1α, interleukin‐1α receptor antagonist and natural moisturizing factor) of SCsamples collected by tape stripping were assessed. Results All applied washing procedures provided comparable, mild effects on the epidermal barrier function and skin inflammation. Conclusion Occupational skin cleansers seem to have improved regarding skin barrier damaging effects. To further corroborate this, a study design, modified on the basis of our findings, applying longer washing periods for consecutive days seems desirable.

Irritant potential of different washing procedures used for heavy‐duty soiling: Short and intense or longer and mild?

“…p values from two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for group differences in dependent samples. using the same timeframe for the washing procedures, 1,30,31 as well as focused on irritation due to the different type of abrasive bodies used and their concentrations. In contrast to the above-mentioned studies, the present study analyses both the role of different washing time and different washing power on skin irritation by comparing two commercially available cleansers (MC, GC).…”

“…Their potential to irritate the skin depends, on the one hand, on the qualities of the abrasive bodies used, and on the other hand on the cleanser ingredients, for example, the type of surfactant used 6,9,29 . To our knowledge, previous studies have mainly compared the irritant potential of different cleansers by using the same timeframe for the washing procedures, 1,30,31 as well as focused on irritation due to the different type of abrasive bodies used and their concentrations. In contrast to the above‐mentioned studies, the present study analyses both the role of different washing time and different washing power on skin irritation by comparing two commercially available cleansers (MC, GC).…”

Skin Toxicity of Selected Hair Cosmetic Ingredients: A Review Focusing on Hairdressers

“…In terms of irritant potential, SLES can, in contrast to other detergents such as SLS, be described as mild [96,97]. It is reasonable to presume that contemporary skin cleansers where SLES is used rather than stronger detergents, such as SLS, have improved in terms of skin barrier damage compared to the previous formulations available [98].…”

Prevention of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A controlled intervention study

“…Intensified hand hygiene measures have been implemented for containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic 8 which emerged in the beginning of 2020 and has led to increased skin strain in the general population and particularly in HCWs who face a double burden due to elevated hygiene measures both in private life and at work 9,10 . Accordingly, recent studies from different countries have demonstrated that prevalence of occupational dermatoses in HCWs has increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic 11–13 .…”