Scrubbing for cutaneous procedures can be hazardous.
Office-based minor cutaneous surgery is a service provided by many medical practitioners. In New South Wales, Australia, it is a legal requirement for practitioners to surgically scrub before donning sterile gloves for all forms of invasive surgery, including minor cutaneous procedures. Frequent scrubbing causes altered skin barrier function, irritant dermatitis and a potential risk of latex sensitization. These adverse effects are associated with significant morbidity and cost. Better tolerated alternatives, including alcohol-based hand rubs, should be considered in preference to traditional surgical scrubs in order to reduce these occupational risks for minor proceduralists. Well-controlled, prospective studies should explore what extent of hand washing is necessary for donning sterile gloves for minor cutaneous surgery.
Huynh
Nghi T
NT
Department of Dermatology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
Commens
Christopher A
CA
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D003880:Dermatology; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology*; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology