New Study Finds Frequent Hand Washing Puts Health Care Workers at Increased Risk for Irritant Contact ...(ayplay a role in hand dermatitis is fila...),Health

"Recently, genetic variants in the gene encoding filaggrin -- a protein that binds to cells in the outermost layer of skin known as the epidermis -- have been shown to be strong predisposing factors for atopic eczema, in which impaired skin barrier function plays a key role," explained Dr. Nedorost. "Variations in the filaggrin gene may cause a disturbance of the top layer of the skin, which serves as a barrier against environmental exposures -- such as frequent wetting and drying of the skin. Once the top layer of the skin cracks due to frequent wet/dry cycles, especially in conditions of low humidity where drying occurs rapidly, it results in inflammation. This is how irritant hand dermatitis begins."

Since environmental factors such as humidity and the need for good hand hygiene at work are beyond health care workers' control, prevention is the key to warding off hand dermatitis. Dr. Nedorost recommended the following tips for health care workers to help prevent hand dermatitis:

-- Cotton gloves should be worn under rubber or vinyl gloves for wet work

to prevent perspiration from dampening the skin. The cotton gloves

should be changed frequently if wet work is prolonged.

-- When appropriate, alcohol-based hand cleansers should be substituted

for hand washing. These cleansers are well tolerated, but may cause

temporary stinging when in contact with skin cracks.

-- A cream or ointment-based emollient should be applied immediately after

water exposure before the skin is completely dry. The goal is to

prevent rapid drying and cracking, so applying the emollient after the

skin is dry is not nearly as beneficial.

Although patients often receive prescriptions for topical corticosteroids to treat symptoms of hand dermatitis, Dr. Nedorost cautions that evidence suggests that chronic use of topical steroids may red
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