Hand eczema and its severity in nonmedical personnel: A study of the use of hand sanitizer on transepidermal water loss and skin capacitance

Background: An increased frequency of hand sanitizer use and washing hands with soap seems to increase the incidence of hand eczema (HE). Objectives: The aim was to analyze HE in nonmedical personnel, its severity, and the effect of hand sanitizer use on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin capacitance. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. Subjects were recruited based on the study criteria with cluster random sampling method. Each subject’s identity, data related to hand sanitizer use and handwashing, atopic stigmata, and duration of HE were documented. The severity of HE was assessed with the HE Severity Index (HECSI). TEWL and skin capacitance were measured with the Tewameter^® TM 300 and Corneometer^® CM 825 instruments. Results: Out of 240 subjects who were selected randomly, 24 normal subjects and 24 subjects with HE were recruited. The incidence of HE in nonmedical personnel using hand sanitizer was 10%, with a median disease duration of 22 weeks and a mean HECSI score of 9.25 ± 6.33. There was no significant difference in TEWL and skin capacitance between the groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between TEWL and skin capacitance with the HECSI score (P > 0.05). Subjects with HE washed their hands more frequently than subjects without HE (6 vs. 4.5 times per day; P 0.005). Conclusion: Most nonmedical personnel with HE had a mild form of the condition. There were no significant barrier function and skin hydration differences between the groups.