How Irritating Are Alcohol Hand Rubs?

Despite limitations, this study suggests that alcohol rubs may be preferable to soap-and-water washing for healthcare providers.

Contact with alcohol and other solvents tends to dry the skin. Medical personnel have a high incidence of hand dermatitis, yet they are urged to use alcohol hand rubs to prevent spread of infections in the hospital and clinics. Just how bad are these rubs?

Investigators performed single and repeated patch tests with several alcohols, alone or in combination with the detergent sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The subject group consisted of 105 healthcare workers; those with atopic eczema were excluded. After alcohol exposure, there were no significant skin changes in erythema (as measured by a chromometer) or barrier disruption (as measured by transepidermal water loss [TEWL]), but skin hydration (as measured by a Corneometer) decreased significa…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)