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Updated: May 22, 2025
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Frequent Hand Hygiene-Induced Skin Symptoms and Alterations in Hand Microbiota: A Neglected Form of Chronic
Wenbin He1, Xiaofeng Lin, Nuo Chen
1Author Affiliations: Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Dr He); Department of Infection Prevention and Control Management, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Mr Lin, Mss Chen, Li, Cheng, Tan, and Dr Wang); School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China (Mr Lin, Ms Chen, Dr Wu); Department of Nursing, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Dr Feng, Ms Chen); Hubei Engineering Center for Infectious Disease Prevention, Control and Treatment, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Drs Feng, Wang); Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China (Ms Zhang); and Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital (Hubei Clinical Research Center of Hypertension), Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China (Dr Wu).
Background:
Frequent hand hygiene is essential for infection control among health care workers (HCWs) but may cause adverse skin effects.
Purpose:
To assess the relationships between frequent hand hygiene practices, skin symptoms, and microbiota alterations in HCWs.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of 7 databases was conducted to identify articles published between January 2014 and July 2024 in English and Chinese.
Results:
A total of 24 studies were included in the review. Frequent hand hygiene was associated with reduced microbial flora in 2 studies and high incidences of skin dryness, itching, peeling, erythema, fissures, burning, and pain in 18 studies. Fifteen studies linked frequent hand hygiene to eczema, dermatitis, acne, and folliculitis, while 1 study found higher Staphylococcus aureus detection in severe eczema cases.
Conclusions:
Prolonged frequent hand hygiene alters hand microbiota and induces various skin symptoms, necessitating attention to chronic occupational exposure among HCWs.
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