Atopic Dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis Eczema, Dermatitis Hand, Skin Abnormalities
Conditions
Keywords
Hand dermatitis, Skin barrier, Hand washing, Hand sanitizer, Eczema, Atopic dermatitis
Brief summary
Hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers are important interventions in disease prevention. Engaging in frequent hand washing is especially effective in preventing the spread of viruses, as this removes microbes and prevents the spread to others. Hand dermatitis, however, is a common occurrence in certain occupations, such as healthcare workers. With the onset of the SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) pandemic, hand hygiene measures are further enforced as there is no cure or vaccine for this virus. In the study, the effects of hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer on skin proteins and lipids will be assessed.
Detailed description
Hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers are important interventions in disease prevention. Engaging in frequent hand washing is especially effective in preventing the spread of viruses, as this removes microbes and prevents the spread to others. Hand dermatitis, however, is a common occurrence in certain occupations, such as healthcare workers. With the onset of the SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) pandemic, hand hygiene measures are further enforced as there is no cure or vaccine for this virus. The stratum corneum is in the outer layer of the epidermis, and it contains several proteins and lipids that are important for skin health. This skin layer can be disrupted by agents that cause skin dryness and irritation, resulting in a dysfunctional skin barrier when there is loss of filaggrin breakdown products, also referred to as natural moisturizing factor (NMF), and lipids. This then leads to the unwanted dermatologic effects of skin dermatitis, and in some patients, contact dermatitis. While it is known that frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer use causes hand dermatitis, the effects on skin barrier proteins and lipids has not been studied. In this study, the effects of hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer on epidermal proteins and lipids will be assessed. The skin barrier will be examined with skin tape strips (STS) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) before and after topical skin exposure to hand sanitizer use and hand washing. Questionnaires will be administered to inquire about allergy history, frequency of hand washing, and use of detergents and soaps.
Interventions
OTHERHand sanitizer and hand washing
All subjects will cleanse their hands with hand sanitizer, followed by hand washing with soap and water
Sponsors
National Jewish Health
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria of the AD group: • Individuals with atopic dermatitis, ages 18-60 years old. Inclusion criteria of the non-atopic group, ages 18-60 years old: • Individuals with no history of atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, food allergy, asthma, or allergic rhinitis.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Measure the change in transepidermal water loss and skin components after using hand sanitizer. | Through study completion, up to 1 year | Skin barrier assessments at baseline, then after hand sanitizer use will be performed. Analysis of skin filaggrin breakdown products, lipid profiles, and transepidermal water loss will be compared. |
| Measure the change in transepidermal water loss and skin components after hand washing with soap and water. | Through study completion, up to 1 year | Skin barrier assessments after hand washing with soap and water will be performed. Analysis of skin filaggrin breakdown products, lipid profiles, and transepidermal water loss will be compared. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Individual reporting of hand dryness and environmental exposures | Through study completion, up to 1 year | Questionnaires will capture symptoms of hand dryness, frequency of hand washing, and other environmental exposures. This data will be compared to the degree of transepidermal water loss and skin barrier findings. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
Primary ContactJessica Hui, MD
Outcome results
None listed