Skin barrier response to active chlorine hand disinfectant—An experimental study comparing skin barrier response to active chlorine hand disinfectant and alcohol‐based hand rub on healthy skin and eczematous skin

Abstract

Background Alcohol‐based hand rub (ABHR) is widely used for hand disinfection in the health care sector. ABHR is, however, known to cause discomfort when applied on damaged skin emphasizing the unmet need for alternative and better tolerated types of disinfectants. Active chlorine hand disinfectants (ACHDs) are potential new candidates; however, the effect on the skin barrier function compared to ABHR remains to be assessed. Materials and methods In Study A, the forearm skin of healthy adults was repeatedly exposed to ACHD and ABHR. Skin barrier function was assessed by measurement of transepidermal water loss, electrical conductance, pH, and erythema at baseline and at follow‐up after 2 days, and subjective discomfort was likewise assessed. Study B was performed in the same way; however, in order to induce an experimental irritant contact dermatitis, sodium lauryl sulfate patch tests were applied to forearms before exposure to ACHD and ABHR. Results In both studies, the skin barrier function was unaffected after repetitive exposure to ACHD and ABHR, and with no significant differences between the products. Subjective discomfort was reported as sporadic or very mild in relation to both products. Conclusion Our results illustrate that use of ACHD does not affect the skin barrier function negatively, neither in intact skin nor in skin with experimentally induced contact dermatitis. Future studies should include real‐life evaluation of skin barrier function and subjective discomfort following ACHD use in individuals with and without hand eczema.

Investigating Hand Dermatitis and Related Dermatologic Quality of Life Among Nursing Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Many studies have shown that frequent handwashing and prolonged exposure to water are prominent factors in increased rates of hand dermatitis 3,12,16,17 . Moreover, studies have also listed alcohol-based hand disinfectants and chlorhexidine among other potential factors of hand dermatitis 18,19 . The finding in this study that participants thought antiseptic use was the top cause of hand dermatitis may also be associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…3,12,16,17 Moreover, studies have also listed alcohol-based hand disinfectants and chlorhexidine among other potential factors of hand dermatitis. 18,19 The finding in this study that participants thought antiseptic use was the top cause of hand dermatitis may also be associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing students may prefer antiseptic agents to handwashing as a quick way of ensuring hygiene and In this study, the majority of participants preferred to use moisturizers to prevent hand dermatitis (61.8%; Figure 2).…”

Covid-19 Pandemi Sürecinde Çocuklarda El Egzama Sıklığının Araştırılması

“…Bizim çalışmamızda tek değişkenli analizde el dezenfektan kullanımı çocuktaki EEİS varlığı ile ilişkili bulunmuştu ancak çok değişkenli lojistik regresyonda bağımsız bir risk faktörü olmadığını bulduk. Yapılan çalışmalarda sık el yıkamanın el egzaması gelişiminde daha fazla risk taşıdığı, alkol bazlı el dezenfektan kullanımının riskli olmadığı raporlanmış ve sık el temizliği gereken durumlarda alkol bazlı el dezenfektanlarının kullanılabileceği belirtilmiştir (5,(17)(18)(19). Önceki çalışmalarda çocuklarda el egzaması risk faktörleri araştırılırken annelerdeki el egzama varlığı sorgulanmamıştır.…”

Hand Sanitizer Gels: Classification, Challenges, and the Future of Multipurpose Hand Hygiene Products

“…Longer drying time, difficult to eliminate the feeling of dissimilarity and more expensive than gel. [19,23] Gel formulations…”