Frequent Handwashing Increases Risk for Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Link: Frequent Handwashing Increases Risk for Irritant Contact Dermatitis.

For the millions of healthcare workers in the United States, repeated handwashing may not seem like an occupational hazard at first glance. In fact, good hand hygiene is essential to stop the spread of infections such as staphylococcus and clostridium. However, new research examining the risk factors for irritant contact dermatitis – a common skin condition marked by scaling, redness, itching and burning due to a chemical substance on the skin – among healthcare workers finds that those who washed their hands more than 10 times per day were more likely to develop the condition than those who washed their hands less frequently. Speaking at the 66th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held Feb. 1-5 in San Antonio, dermatologist Susan T. Nedorost, MD, FAAD, associate professor of dermatology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, presented findings that demonstrated a positive link between frequent handwashing and irritant contact dermatitis, or hand dermatitis, among healthcare workers. "We demonstrated that some people are predisposed to skin reactions to irritant detergents, and those who do ‘wet’ work in low humidity conditions where frequent handwashing is an essential part of the job are very susceptible to hand dermatitis," said Nedorost. "Our findings confirm that healthcare workers who wash their hands repeatedly are at an increased risk of developing hand dermatitis, which can take months to heal. This knowledge can help workers at risk for the condition to practice good hand care and follow preventative tips to decrease their risk factors on the job."