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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
[Risk factors for dryness or irritation of staff hands in nine healthcare institutions]
1Unité de biostatistique et hygiène hospitalière, centre de lutte contre le cancer Antoine-Lacassagne, 33, avenue de Valombrose, 06189 Nice cedex 2, France.
Objective:
We performed a prospective multicenter study to assess dryness and irritation of hands of staff in care facilities, and to show that disinfection with alcohol-based hand rub is better tolerated than classic hand washing with mild soap.
Method:
Dryness and irritation were self-evaluated by volunteers and hetero-evaluated by a team of investigators. The study took into account most of the individual and environmental risk factors of dryness and irritation (season, age, gender, use of protective agent, constitutional, personal and external factors, institution, function, number of consecutive working days).
Results:
The results from the 1932 assessments collected showed that traditional hand washing was a risk factor for dryness or irritation, while alcohol-based hand rubs caused no skin deterioration and had a protective effect even when used intensively.
Comment:
These results should help to fight non-adherence to the use of alcohol-based hand rubs.
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