Doctors say frequent hand washing linked to dermatitis
The frequent hand washing required in many occupations to prevent the spread of bacteria might actually promote their transmission by breaking down the hand skin barrier, according to physicians at a roundtable discussion at a meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Anaheim, Calif., last month.
"There definitely appears to be a correlation between frequent hand washing and irritant hand dermatitis, especially in individuals using detergent or abrasive cleansers," said Dr. James Del Rosso, clinical assistant professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Nevada School of Medicine. Studies have shown that those who must wash their hands frequently, such as healthcare and foodservice workers, often experience a breakdown in the top epidermal skin layer, increasing vulnerability to redness, itching and irritation.