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COVID-19 reopening causes high risk of irritant contact dermatitis in children
Luise Borch1, Kristina Thorsteinsson, Tine Caroc Warner
1luise.borch@rm.dk.
Insights
Frequent hand washing during COVID-19 reopening significantly increased irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) in children. This highlights the need for preventative measures to mitigate long-term skin issues in pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a primary precursor to adult chronic hand eczema.
- COVID-19 pandemic measures in Denmark mandated frequent hand washing.
- The study investigated the link between increased hand hygiene and pediatric ICD incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of increased hand washing frequency on the incidence of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) in children.
- To identify risk factors associated with ICD development in pediatric populations during the COVID-19 reopening period.
Main Methods:
- An observational study was conducted in Denmark involving 6,273 children aged 0-12 years.
- A parent-reported questionnaire assessed hand washing frequency, sanitiser use, and dermatitis symptoms.
- Data collection occurred during the school and daycare reopening phase (April 22nd–May 1st, 2020).
Main Results:
- 42.4% of children without prior dermatitis developed ICD due to increased hand hygiene.
- Schoolchildren exhibited a 1.5 times higher relative risk of ICD compared to preschool children.
- Hand washing 7-10 times/day and >10 times/day increased ICD risk by 1.83 and 2.23 times, respectively; hand sanitiser use was not a significant factor.
Conclusions:
- Elevated hand washing frequency during the COVID-19 reopening correlated with a higher incidence of pediatric ICD.
- While essential for infection control, increased hand hygiene necessitates prophylactic strategies to prevent childhood ICD.
- Further research and preventative measures are crucial to address the long-term dermatological consequences of frequent hand washing in children.
Introduction:
Childhood irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the most common cause for developing chronic hand eczema as an adult. The COVID-19 reopening in Denmark included regulations introducing frequent hand washing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if frequent hand washing increases the incidence of ICD in children.
Methods:
We conducted an observational study in Denmark during the reopening of schools and daycare facilities for children aged 0-12 years (April 22nd to May 1st 2020). A questionnaire was sent out to parents in four municipalities consisting of 20 questions about frequency of hand washing, use of hand sanitiser, symptoms of ICD, atopic dermatitis, allergy and predispositions.
Results:
The study included 6,273 children. In children without any prior symptoms of dermatitis, 42.4% experienced ICD (dry, red and itchy skin) due to increased hand hygiene. Schoolchildren had a 1.5 times greater relative risk of developing ICD than preschool children. Frequency of hand washing was a strong risk factor, whereas this was not the case for alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Hand washing 7-10 times/day and >10 times/day increased the relative risk by 1.83 and 2.23 times, respectively.
Conclusions:
A higher frequency of hand washing during the COVID-19 reopening increased the incidence of ICD in children. Hand hygiene is essential in our fight against novel coronavirus, but prophylactic initiatives are important to reduce the possible long-term consequences of ICD in children.
Funding:
none TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04375410).
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