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Ed Yeates reporting While repeated hand washing prevents the spread of infection, it may also be symptomatic of an occupational hazard. At its annual meeting, the American Academy of Dermatologists says the practice is causing what is called "irritant contact dermatitis," or hand dermatitis.
Hand washing is absolutely essential. Health care workers and restaurant employees have to repeatedly wash their hands to prevent the spread of potentially dangerous infections like staphylococcus.
However, the repeated washings, especially with soaps containing sodium lauryl sulfate or other compounds, can trigger hand dermatitis--particularly in dry climates like our own. The skin condition is marked by scaling, redness, itching and burning and can take months to heal.
Sixty health care workers who washed their hands 10 times a day volunteered for a study at University Hospital's Case Medical Center in Cleveland. From test patches and other data, of those 60, 63 percent developed the hand dermatitis.
But dermatologists say you can prevent it without giving up hand washing. For example, the soap dispensers located throughout the Intermountain Medical Center (IMC) use an alcohol-based product. Dr. Kristen Dascomb says that's good. "These alcohol-based products not only kill the germs but also have emollients in them that help enhance the moisture in the skin," she said.
IMC also issues lotions to employees so they don't have to bring products in from the outside that may be contaminated.
The way you apply those hand lotions also is important, whether you're a hospital employee or a consumer at home. "If you wash the hands 15 seconds then dry them with a paper towel until they're just slightly damp, the lotion will be able to ensure that the moisture stays in the hands," Dascomb said.
Dascomb says since some people may be genetically susceptible to contact dermatitis, IMC recommends employees use fragrance-free lotions.
Research dermatologists also are advising people to avoid the chronic use of corticosteroids for treatment. They say those prescription topical steroids not only thin the skin but may actually reduce the skin's ability to tolerate irritants.
