Hand Hygiene and Infection Control: Skin Care Supports Patient Care

Clean, healthy hands, appropriate glove use and a solid hand hygiene protocol are the first lines of defense for patients and healthcare professionals against potentially infectious agents. And the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings” focuses on just this.¹ As noted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), “hand hygiene is the cornerstone of any infection control program and plays an integral role in reducing the transmission and occurrence of infection. All hospitals must have comprehensive hand hygiene programs in place.”²

A Handwashing/Hand Antisepsis Protocol

By establishing a protocol and undertaking a consistent, effective hand-care regimen, clinicians can maintain the integrity of their skin against bloodborne pathogens and other infectious materials.

The purpose of handwashing is to remove soil and transient microorganisms. Soaps and detergents are among the most damaging substances applied to the skin. In occupations requiring frequent handwashing, changes in the skin can result in chronic damage, irritant contact dermatitis, eczema, and changes in normal skin flora. Damaged skin may harbor increased numbers of pathogens and often sheds higher numbers of organisms. Additionally, washing damaged skin is less effective at reducing bacteria than washing normal skin.

Consistency is Key

A hand-care protocol should address the following:

Handwashing

Use of lotions/moisturizers

Appropriate glove usage

When hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with proteinaceous material, clinicians should wash with soap and follow protocols established in their organizations. If hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand rubs may be used instead.