Hand Sanitizers Increase Risk of Eczema

Hand Disinfectants Increase Eczema Risk Dr. Serap Maden, a dermatologist, has offered recommendations to protect against the harmful effects of disinfectants used for hand hygiene due to the pandemic and capable of causing allergic reactions on the skin. Hand disinfectants, particularly those used for hand hygiene, have become an important part of our daily lives with the COVID-19 pandemic. But how harmless are the disinfectants used to maintain hand hygiene? Dr. Serap Maden, a Specialist in Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases at Near East University Hospital, warns that hand disinfectants invite eczema when used frequently. Emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene habits to protect against the virus causing COVID-19, Dr. Serap Maden stated, "The most important step in protecting against COVID-19 is hand cleaning. However, what should be done is washing hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds. Hand disinfectants should be used in environments and situations where hand washing is not possible, until hands are washed." Excessive Disinfectant Use Leads to Hand Eczema Stating that dry skin, redness, scaling, fluid-filled blisters, cracking, itching and wound development are among the symptoms of eczema, Serap Maden drew attention to the fact that this risk increases due to reduced moisture levels in the skin in cold weather. Noting that hand eczemas are more frequently seen in individuals prone to allergies, Maden provided information that frequent water contact, soap, detergent, bleach, plastic gloves, chemicals and certain cosmetic products trigger hand eczemas. Maden stated that excessive disinfectant use has become the most important cause of hand eczema today. Stating that "the use of alcohol-based disinfectants causes the breakdown of skin integrity and increasing sensitivity to allergenic substances, which can lead to hand eczema," Maden emphasizes that when purchasing disinfectants with protective effects against viruses and containing high levels (70% or higher) of alcohol, products with proven efficacy, approved formulations and moisturizing properties should be preferred.

How Do We Prevent Eczema?

Reiterating the importance of washing hands frequently, correctly and effectively during this period when many people are exposed to a serious viral outbreak, Maden listed what should be paid attention to when and after washing hands to protect against hand eczema as follows: "Wash your hands with lukewarm water, not too hot or too cold. When washing your hands, prefer soaps with moisturizing content that will not irritate the skin. Using bar soap instead of liquid soap will reduce eczema risk. Since moisture retained under jewelry increases eczema risk, remove your jewelry when washing your hands. After washing your hands, dry them immediately and be sure to moisturize with a moisturizing cream. When choosing a moisturizer, prefer fragrance-free and paraben-free products," she said.