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Document ID (ISN)104385
CIS number 05-647
ISSN - Serial title 0105-1873 - Contact Dermatitis
Year 2004
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Jungbauer F.H.W., Van der Harst J.J., Groothoff J.W., Coenraads P.J.
Title Skin protection in nursing work: Promoting the use of gloves and hand alcohol
Bibliographic information Sep. 2004, Vol.51, No.3, p.135-140. Illus. 23 ref.
Abstract Exposure to skin irritants is a cause of occupational skin disease in nurses. In this study, the effectiveness of soap and water, alcohol-based hand rubs and gloves in prevention programmes was investigated. In particular, two recommended procedures were evaluated: use of alcohol-based hand rubs instead of soap and water in disinfection procedures when the hands are not visibly dirty, and use of gloves in wet activities such as patient washing. The effectiveness of these recommendations was investigated in healthy volunteers over a period of three weeks, five days a week. An increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) occurred with the regular prevention method, while mean TEWL decreased among subjects using the recommended method. Skin irritation from occlusion by gloves appeared to be more pronounced in the regular method compared to the recommended method. The results of this study justify the conclusion that in nursing work, alcohol-based hand rubs are the preferred disinfectants.
Descriptors (primary) protective gloves; hospitals; skin cleansers; skin protection; health care personnel
Descriptors (secondary) hand; irritation
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceNetherlands
Subject(s) Personal protection
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Hand and arm protection
Health care services
Skin protection