Hand Hygiene and Infection Control: Skin Care Supports Patient Care

Skin Health in the Operating Room

Skin health presents a challenge for surgeons and surgical team members. Frequent surgical scrubbing and skin occlusion from extensive glove use is hard on the hands. The ramifications of chronic dry skin and dermatitis go beyond personal discomfort and to the issue of personal health and safety. Cracks and fissures in the skin of dry, dermatic hands increase occupational exposure of healthcare personnel to bloodborne viruses, such as hepatitis C and HIV.¹¹

Dry, irritated skin is more difficult to disinfect than healthy skin, and is more likely to be colonized with non-resident pathogenic bacteria that are responsible for most HAIs. Studies published in the American Journal of Infection Control demonstrate there is increased shedding of damaged skin cells with skin trauma.¹² Chronic dermatitis is associated with heavier colonization of bacteria, yeast, staphylococci, and other potential pathogens and outbreaks of HAIs. In addition, the flaking associated with dry, irritated skin increases the risk of transmitting an infection due to the larger numbers of microorganisms shed into the environment with the skin flakes. As a result, skin emollients and barrier creams are receiving new attention. ICT

Deborah Davis’ primary responsibilities include driving clinical research initiatives, coordinating various aspects of product development among the marketing, regulatory, manufacturing and research and development organizations, and overseeing the publication and presentation of technical information for clinician customers. Davis received her doctorate in administrative leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; her MBA from Loyola University and her MS in Biology from Northeastern Illinois University.

References

1. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Guide to the Elimination of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Transmission in Hospital Settings, 2007.

2. Murphy D, Whiting J, Hollenbeak C. Dispelling the myths: the true cost of healthcare-associated infections, 2007. Association for Prefessionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Washington, D.C.

3. Davis D. Hand hygiene and gloves: infection control Is within your grasp. Infection Control Today. 2001. Vol. 5, No.7: 40-42.

4. Murphy D, Whiting J, Hollenbeak C. Dispelling the myths: the true cost of healthcare-associated infections, 2007. Association for Prefessionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Washington, D.C.

5. Davis D. Hand hygiene and gloves: infection control Is within your grasp. Infection Control Today. 2001. Vol. 5, No.7: 40-42.

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. Guideline for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities, 2003.

8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.

9. Davis D. Gloving and skin wellness: resolving the paradox. Managing Infection Control. 2003. Vol. 3, Issue 11: 28-34.

10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, op. cit.

11. Ojajarvi J. Evaluation on handwashing and disinfection methods used in hospital wards. Academic Dissertation, Helsinki, 1981.

12. Larson EL, Hughes, CA, Pyrek, JD, Sparks SM, Cagatay EU, Bartkus JM. Changes in bacterial flora associated with skin damage on hands of healthcare personnel. Am J Infection Control, 1998; 26: 513-521.