Bengaluru: More than two-thirds of people can now have hand dermatitis due to rigorous hand washing and the use of alcohol-based sanitizers during the Covid-19 pandemic, indicating the emergence of a epidemic of skin disease, according to a study by Indian researchers. Also Read – Dos and Don’ts for Hand Sanitizer: WHO Gives Guidance on How Much to Use and How Often
Researchers at Father Muller Medical College in Mangalore, Karnataka, analyzed transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – a key parameter for measuring skin barrier function – of 582 people, including 291 healthcare professionals (HCPs) and 291 healthy people of the general population. Also read – Total lockdown in Goa? The government will soon announce its decision
The results indicated that hand dermatitis was now present in 92.6% of healthcare professionals and 68.7% of the general population. Only 3% of healthcare professionals and 2.4% of the general public participating in the study reported a history of hand dermatitis. Also Read – 23 Crore Indians Pushed Below Poverty Line Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Study Finds
Drier skin was also noted in women and intensive care professionals, which was associated with a high frequency of hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
“This research really demonstrates the impact of increased handwashing and the absorption of alcohol-based sanitizers on the skin health of the hands of healthcare professionals and the general public. Additionally, we now know that using TEWL to measure skin barrier function can help us compare the effectiveness of various barrier protection measures and uncover appropriate modifications to hand hygiene practices and products. to help prevent hand eczema, â€explained the university’s Monisha Madhumita.
Also Read: Dos and Don’ts for Hand Sanitizer: WHO Gives Guidance on How Much to Use and How Often
Participants also said that skin irritation and dryness was the biggest barrier to consistent hand hygiene practice.
“This research shows that there is now an epidemic of skin disease within the Covid-19 pandemic. It is promising to see this problem recognized, and I am delighted to see how the dermatology community will seek potential solutions to this problem â€, Marie-Aleth Richard, member of the board of directors of EADV and professor at the CHU de La Timone, Marseille, adds.
Finding appropriate modifications to practices and products that can increase accessibility to good hand hygiene is something of vital importance to many members of our community, the researchers said.
The results were presented at the EADV Spring 2021 Symposium, which took place online May 6-7.
(With IANS inputs)
