Nowadays, we use a lot of hand sanitizers, soaps and various protective compositions that promise to serve us as a guard in the fight against the pandemic and the spread of infections. Currently, a topical question for dermatologists and beauty care specialists is whether these products are safe to use even several times during the day, explains the "Dermatology Clinic", "Anti-Aging Institute" and "Capital Clinic" branches of "Veselības centrs 4" Riga'' dermatologist, preventive medicine and antiaging specialist Jana Janovska
How to recognize that poisoning has occurred, or that the tactics of using disinfectants are too aggressive?
A person can develop allergic symptoms that look very innocent in nature, such as swelling in the face or nose, a runny nose and sore throat, maybe even a slight cough. Redness develops on the hands and the skin remains dry and rough, a person may feel weak, all these symptoms may indicate that either a chemical harmful element has been inhaled, or hand hygiene and biting have been aggressive and inappropriate.
What skin reactions occur when using skin disinfection compositions?
There are two main types of skin reactions related to hand hygiene:
- The first and most common type includes symptoms including dryness, irritation, itching up to the development of cracks and the addition of bacterial infections. This range of symptoms is called irritant contact dermatitis.
- The second type of skin reaction - allergic contact dermatitis - is rare and is an allergy to a component of the hand hygiene product.
Hand hygiene products damage the skin, causing damage to the proteins of the stratum corneum, changes in the skin's lipid, or fat barrier, skin dehydration begins to develop, the skin becomes dry. In particular, this process can be increased by liquids containing alcohol, alcohol-based compositions.
Substances that more often cause contact dermatitis?
The most common irritant contact dermatitis is caused by means containing iodophors, then the second most common is chlorhexidine, chloroxylenol, triclosan, and then alcohol. Graham and colleagues report low and less frequent allergic reactions to alcohol-based hand compositions (isopropyl alcohol 70%, chlorhexidine (0.5%) in combination with softening emollients.
How to protect yourself?
There are three main strategies proposed by the World Health Organization to reduce the risks of developing irritant dermatitis.
- Use of safer hand sanitizers
- Avoid chemical agents that more often cause irritation dermatitis
- Use skin emollients, moisturizers after using the disinfectant composition
During the pandemic, public places, schools, universities and shopping malls, healthcare facilities must have disinfectant liquids. In order to reduce the risk of irritation dermatitis, a safer preparation should be preferred.
The best combination is if the composition contains both alcohol and an emollient in one bottle, in this way it fulfills its disinfection features and also protects the skin with an additional lipid layer and deep moisturizing.
What tips for hand washing could you give?
Remember that disinfectant liquid kills pathogens, but does not wash hands. It is essential to rub the hands and rinse with clean water, for at least 30 seconds, with rotating movements, for women, wash under the nails and rinse the side of the forearm.
What should be considered when choosing soap?
Soaps should be chosen according to the skin type, whether they are meant for sensitive, dry or oily skin. If the skin is dry, intolerant or sensitive, it is definitely recommended to use soaps that contain emollients such as glycerin. Deeply moisturizes and restores the skin barrier, soothes. Perfect for soaps with natural extracts or oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe, shea butter, etc.
On the other hand, if you have sensitive skin, with a tendency to allergic reactions, then it is better to give preference to products without fragrances, parabens and dyes with maximally pure compositions.
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