Hand care is essential for everyone, but especially for healthcare workers who are at higher risk of developing hand dermatitis and hand infections due to their frequent exposure to various chemicals and microorganisms. Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infections, but it can also contribute to skin damage. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the importance of hand care and take measures to preserve their hand skin's integrity. In this blog post, we will discuss why hand care is necessary for healthcare workers, what hand dermatitis and hand infections are and hand skin preservation tips.
Why is hand care necessary for healthcare workers?
Healthcare workers are at risk of developing hand dermatitis, a skin condition that occurs due to prolonged contact with irritants, such as soap, water, and detergents. It is a common condition among healthcare workers due to their frequent hand hygiene practices. Hand dermatitis can cause redness, itching, and scaling of the skin, leading to painful cracks and blisters. The condition can affect the healthcare worker's ability to carry out their duties, leading to time off work, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs.
In addition to hand dermatitis, healthcare workers are also at risk of developing hand infections due to their frequent contact with patients and their bodily fluids. Hand infections can occur due to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and can cause redness, swelling, and pain. Healthcare workers who develop hand infections may need to take time off work, leading to decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs.
Hand skin preservation tips for healthcare professionals
Hand care is essential for healthcare professionals to prevent hand dermatitis and hand infections.
Here are some hand skin preservation tips that can help:
1. Use mild soap and warm water to wash hands
Using mild soap and warm water can help prevent hand dermatitis. Harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dry, cracked skin.
Use mild soap and warm water to wash their hands, and avoid hot water, which can further dry out the skin.
2. Apply hand lotion regularly
Moisturising the skin can help prevent dryness and cracking.
Apply hand lotion regularly throughout the day, especially after washing the hands.
Choose a hand lotion that is free of fragrances and dyes, as these can irritate the skin.
3. Take breaks
Taking breaks can help reduce the risk of developing hand dermatitis and hand infections. Take breaks throughout the day to rest their hands and avoid prolonged exposure to irritants.
4. Hand Slugging
There are many different benefits of hand slugging. It's an excellent way to hydrate dry, cracked, or rough skin as the moisturiser forms a barrier that prevents moisture loss and helps to restore the skin's natural moisture balance, results in softer, smoother, and more supple skin.
By taking measures to preserve their hand skin's integrity, healthcare workers can maintain their ability to carry out their duties, leading to increased productivity and decreased healthcare costs.
References