title: Prospective observational study to assess hand skin condition after application of alcohol-based hand rub solutions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of alcohol-based hand rub solutions (ABHRSs) in health care settings has been associated with increased hand hygiene compliance and reduced rates of nosocomial infection. Deterioration in hand skin condition leads to impaired barrier function, changes in skin flora, and increased bacterial shedding. Thus, poor skin condition can increase the risk of infection. This study evaluated the hand skin condition and dermal tolerance among health care workers (HCWs) after ABHRS application.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group comprised 231 HCWs (34% nurses, 22% nurse assistants, and 15% hospital cleaners). The mean participant age was 40 years. Stratum corneum hydration and superficial sebum content and surface pH of the skin were measured on the back and palm of each participant's dominant hand before and after ABHRS use. A self-assessment questionnaire was administered to collect information about the participants, their skin problems, and their perception of the ABHRS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study group was 83% females. Skin hydration at the 2 assessment sites was markedly increased after ABHRS use (P < .0001). The mean pH value did not change significantly on the back of the hand, but did change significantly on the palm (P = .012). The superficial sebum content decreased significantly on the palm (P < .0001), but not on the back of the hand. HCWs reported excellent or good skin tolerance of ABHRS in 73% of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ABHRSs are well tolerated and do not dry the skin. pH and superficial sebum values decreased slightly, but these decreases did not affect skin barrier function. Values remained within the physiological range.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Environment, School of Medicine, Nancy, France. djihane.lecheheb-ahmed@medecine.uhp-nancy.fr
authors.forename: Djihane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ahmed-Lecheheb
authors.forename: Lisiane
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cunat
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hartemann
authors.forename: Alexis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hautemanière
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000438:Alcohols; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D000985:Antisepsis / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D009740:Nursing Staff; D019370:Observation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012629:Sebum / Q000187:drug effects*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000438:Alcohols; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local