The flip side of frequent sanitising and hand washing

Abstract

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis. It acts as an interface with the external environment and functions as a barrier that prevents microorganisms and allergens from penetrating the skin, while preventing bodily fluids, electrolytes and proteins from being lost in a process aimed at maintaining homeostasis. With the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, there has been an increase in hygiene practice, particularly hand washing and the use of hand sanitisers. These practices have undoubtedly assisted a great deal in combatting the rate of transmission and contributed immensely to saving lives. However, repeated hand washing and the use of sanitisers have both been linked with marked skin dryness and contact dermatitis. This especially holds true when the abovementioned practices are carried out in the absence of intermittent hand moisturiser usage.