Protective Efficacy against Skin Roughness of Alcohol-based Antiseptic Hand Gels

Abstract

The skin protective efficacy of alcohol-based antiseptic hand gels was investigated by measuring the skin moisture in the palm, dorsum of the hand, and finger-tip of 82 nurses. No change in the hand antisepsis frequency was discovered before and after the investigation with any of the gels. The quantity of skin moisture in the palm and finger-tip increased after application of all three gels, although some differences were detected. The findings suggest that the gel has higher moisturizing effect than alcohol-containing antiseptic hand rub, leading to skin roughness prevention and less reluctance to use the gel for hand antisepsis, so is effective for preventing healthcare-associated infections. © 2008, Japanese Society for Infection Prevention and Control. All rights reserved.