Hand Dermatitis in Two Thirds of Public Due to Frequent Hand Washing During COVID-19

More than two-thirds of the population can now have hand dermatitis as a result of severe hand washing and the use of alcohol-based rubbers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The dermatological impact of COVID-19 is a burning topic at EADV’s 2021 Spring Symposium. New research presented today highlights the effect that strict hand hygiene during the pandemic had on hand skin health.

Researchers at Father Muller Medical College, India analyzed transepidermal water loss (TEWL – an essential parameter for measuring skin barrier function) of 582 people (291 health care professionals (HCPs) and 291 healthy individuals from the general population). The results indicated that hand dermatitis was now present in 92.6% of HCPs and 68.7% of the general population, despite only ~ 3% of HCPs and 2.4% of the general public reporting in the study of a history of hand dermatitis (obtained from medical history and self-reported history). A higher mean TEWL (drier skin) was also noted in women (65.4 g / m2 / h) and intensive care givers (58.2 g / m2 / h), which was associated with frequent hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand rubs.

Both the HCPs and the general public participants in this study stated that skin irritation and dryness were the main barriers to consistent hand hygiene practice (as reported by 72.1% of HCPs and 50.8% of healthy volunteers).

Dr. Monisha Madhumita, Father Muller Medical College, India explains: “This research really demonstrates the impact of increased hand washing and the intake of alcohol-based rubs on hand skin health for HCPs and the general public. In addition, we now know that using TEWL to measure skin barrier function can help us compare the efficacy of different barrier protection measures and discover appropriate adaptations of hand hygiene practices and products to help prevent hand eczema. Finding appropriate adaptations to practices and products that can increase the accessibility of good hand hygiene is vital to many in our community. “

Marie-Aleth Richard, EADV board member and professor at the University Hospital of La Timone, Marseille, adds: “This research shows that there is now an epidemic of skin diseases within the COVID-19 pandemic. It is very promising to see this problem recognized, and I am delighted to see how the dermatology community is finding possible solutions to this problem. “

Reference: “Challenges in Curbing SARS-CoV2 – Overbearing Hand Hygiene and Overlooked Skin Damage” by Madhumita, M. ,, Bhat, R., EADV Spring Symposium 2021.