Hand Hygiene and Infection Control: Skin Care Supports Patient Care

In addition to possibly transferring infection to patients, employees with compromised skin are at increased risk of occupational exposure to potentially infectious organisms such as hepatitis B, C or even HIV. Broken skin provides a more direct route for organisms to enter the individual’s bloodstream. Employees with dermatitis may experience greater loss in productivity, lower job satisfaction and low morale.

Hand Dermatitis — a Significant Issue

Some individuals may be sensitive to either the chemicals used in the manufacturing of gloves or the protein allergens in natural rubber latex. These sensitivities may manifest as irritations, contact dermatitis, or allergic reactions defined as Type IV or Type I hypersensitivity. Though clinicians frequently describe their reactions as allergic in nature, irritations are not an immunological response, but simply an irritant response to any number of substances or factors. Most can be managed by improved hand care and appropriate gloving practices.

Other causes of irritation/contact dermatitis include:

Frequent occupational exposure to various soaps, detergents, disinfectants and other caustic chemicals known to cause changes to the skin

Seasonal low humidity

Glove powder, especially among exam glove wearers

Donning and removal of gloves, especially if not properly sized, can cause friction across the knuckles and develop into a reddened irritant reaction