The Effects of Hand Washing and Hand Sanitizer on Skin
As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, hand hygiene remains crucial for infection prevention. The combination of frequent hand washing and sanitizing can damage the skin, especially in colder, drier climates. Let’s explore how these practices affect the skin and what we can do to protect our skin while preventing infections.
Why Hand Hygiene is Essential for Preventing Infection
Hand washing and hand sanitizers play a key role in removing germs and viruses. Both soap and alcohol-based sanitizers target viruses, including the coronavirus, by attacking their lipid membranes. Soaps break down the virus, inactivating it. They also dissolve dirt, bacteria, and viruses, washing them away with the soap. Hand washing for 15-20 seconds has been shown to reduce infection rates significantly.
The Impact of Soap and Hand Sanitizer on the Skin
Frequent hand washing can affect the skin’s pH. Normal skin pH is about 5.5, but soap can increase it to an alkaline pH (8-9). This change can damage the skin barrier and disrupt the skin’s microflora, leaving it vulnerable to irritants. A study by Lambers et al. found that an acidic skin pH helps bacteria stay attached, whereas alkaline pH causes it to disperse. This imbalance can weaken the skin’s natural defenses, leading to dryness and irritation.
How Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Work
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, typically containing 60%-95% alcohol, effectively kill viruses by denaturing proteins. They can dry out the skin, especially when used frequently. The alcohol removes moisture from the skin, making it prone to cracks and irritation. To help with this, many hand sanitizers include humectants like aloe vera or glycerin to keep the skin hydrated.
Other Effective Disinfectants
Other disinfectants, like hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite, can also kill viruses on the skin. However, ethanol remains one of the most effective options for inactivating coronaviruses, including COVID-19. Studies show that ethanol can kill the virus on contact, making it a valuable tool in infection control.
Effects on Skin and Nails
After frequent hand washing or sanitizing, your skin can become dry, cracked, or irritated. Ethanol-based sanitizers may cause a burning sensation, especially on compromised skin. This is due to the activation of pain receptors (VR1) in the skin. Over time, the skin barrier becomes weakened, which increases the risk of contact dermatitis.
Nails are also impacted by frequent hand washing. They can become brittle, cracked, or even infected due to the disruption of the skin’s barrier.
How to Protect Your Skin
To maintain skin health, applying lotion or cream after each wash is essential. Using water that’s too hot can inflame the skin and further damage the barrier. If possible, wear gloves when using household disinfectants to minimize skin irritation. Hand emollients with ceramides or omega-6 fatty acids (like borage seed oil) can help restore the skin barrier and improve overall skin health.
Conclusion: Maintaining Skin Health During the Pandemic
While hand hygiene is essential for fighting COVID-19, we must also protect our skin. Frequent washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers can weaken the skin barrier. Applying moisturizers and using gloves can help restore skin health and prevent further irritation. Taking these steps will allow you to maintain both your health and your skin’s integrity.
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