The influence of two alcohol-based hand rubs on skin barrier function of black African female students

Abstract

Effective hand hygiene remains paramount in infection and prevention programmes. Healthcare workers have an increased prevalence of skin irritation owing to frequent hand hygiene practices. Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) are often recommended for hand hygiene practices due to their effectiveness, practicality, and safety profile. Research comparing the effects of detergent soaps and ABHRs on skin conditions is abundant; however, it is limited to Caucasian populations. Current research strongly favours disinfection by ABHRs over detergent soaps as they are better tolerated. Aim: This study aims to assess and compare the acute effects of ethanol-based and isopropyl-based hand rubs on skin barrier function in a black African female population, a demographic that is often underrepresented in skincare research. Method: Thirty female African students with Fitzpatrick skin type V or VI, not suffering from any pre-existing skin pathology in the age range of 20-30 years, participated in the study. Two ABHR interventions were applied to randomised sampling sites on the volar forearm of the non-dominant arm at six measurement intervals over eight hours. Skin barrier function was assessed by standardised measurements such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), and skin surface pH (SS-pH). Results: None of the ABHR interventions caused significant changes in TEWL, while SCH levels improved, particularly with ABHR1, indicating superior moisturising properties. Additionally, both ABHRs reduced SS-pH to a slightly acidic level, which is beneficial for skin barrier protection and repair. Conclusion: Both ABHRs (ethanol- and isopropyl-based) were well tolerated by the skin and did not disrupt the skin barrier of an African female population when applied acutely over eight hours.