The Effect of Alcohol-Based Virucidal Hand Sanitizers on Skin Barrier Function-A Randomised Experimental Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Microbiology
• Infection Control

Background:

• Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) are crucial for reducing microorganism transmission.
• Some alcohol-based virucidal hand rubs (ABVHRs) can cause skin irritation with frequent use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of four commercial ABVHRs on skin function.
• To compare the effects of different alcohol types, concentrations, and phosphoric acid (PA) on skin.

Main Methods:

• Utilized occlusion-modified tandem irritation tests and bioengineering methods.
• Assessed skin function in 48 healthy Caucasian volunteers using ABVHRs and controls.

Main Results:

• All tested ABVHRs and controls caused significant changes in skin hydration and barrier function (TEWL, corneometry, colorimetry).
• ABVHR-D showed the most significant increase in TEWL.
• Most ABVHRs had a better skin irritation profile than pure ethanol or isopropanol.

Conclusions:

• The irritative potential of ABVHRs varies, influenced by alcohol type (e.g., 1-propanol) and concentration.
• Phosphoric acid (PA) at tested concentrations appears well-tolerated and may enhance virucidal activity without significant skin irritation.