Compulsive hand washing can result in inflammatory, degenerative, and infective changes to the dorsal and palmar sides of the hands, usually manifesting as hand dermatitis. It can also exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis.

There are three primary strategies for minimizing hand hygiene-related irritant contact dermatitis among HCWs: selecting less irritating hand hygiene products; avoiding certain practices that increase the risk of skin irritation; and using moisturizing skin …

Jun 14, 2024 · Keep your hands dry after washing, moisturize, and wear gloves. Don't use an antihistamine lotion unless your doctor suggests it, because it could cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction,...

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a risk with frequent hand washing. The development of contact allergy requires sensitization to a specific allergen, followed by elicitation of the inflammatory response upon secondary exposure to the allergen.

A 64-year-old patient developed irritant contact dermatitis on the hands following repeated hand-washing with standard dish soap to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Washing hands with mild, moisturizing and non-foaming cleansers is one measure to reduce the risk of contact dermatitis on the hands. Additionally, using hand sanitizers, which are less irritating than soap and water, throughout the day when the hands are not visibly soiled and moisturizing the hands with a heavy emollient cream or ointment ...

Water temperature during washing has an important effect on the onset of irritant contact dermatitis, and frequent use of hot water can lead to excessively dry skin. Extreme dry skin can develop into skin irritation and inflammation, and may even increase irritant contact dermatitis. 8 Avoid having wet hands and use proper hand‐drying processes.

However, clinicians should note that increased frequency of handwashing can result in contact dermatitis of the hands. When noticing skin change, it is important to distinguish dermatitis subtypes to guide diagnosis, identify potential allergens, and direct appropriate treatment (Table 1).

Hand eczema is a common inflammatory condition of the skin that has been linked to hand hygiene. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the risks of hand eczema associated with hand hygiene, including frequency of hand washing, wet work and use of …

Oct 5, 2020 · Signs of Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Symptoms usually start with dry skin on the hands, and progress to burning and itching, and fissures. Hand dermatitis is usually worse in the winter months due to low humidity, which creates increased permeability to irritants (including soap and water).