Cara Symanzik1,2, Sanja Kezic3, Ivone Jakasa4, Christoph Skudlik1,2, Swen Malte John1,2, Richard Brans1,2, Flora Karla Sonsmann1,2. 1. Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany. 2. Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany. 3. Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Department of Public and Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 4. Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increased hand hygiene measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased quantum of hand eczema (HE). OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of varying washing frequencies using current mild cleansing agents-alongside with the effect of a rehydrating cream-on the epidermal barrier function and inflammatory processes of the stratum corneum(SC). METHODS: Standardized skin washings on the volar aspects of the lower arms of skin-healthy volunteers were performed using the automated cleansing device either 5 or 11 times within 4 h for 60 s each with a standard cleanser, a lipid-containing syndet, or a lipid-containing syndet followed by one-time application of a rehydrating cream. Skin bioengineering parameters (transepidermal water loss, SC hydration, erythema, and SC pH) and biochemical/immunological parameters (interleukin-1α, interleukin-1α receptor antagonist and natural moisturizing factor) of SCsamples collected by tape stripping were assessed. RESULTS: All applied washing procedures provided comparable, mild effects on the epidermal barrier function and skin inflammation. CONCLUSION: Occupational skin cleansers seem to have improved regarding skin barrier damaging effects. To further corroborate this, a study design, modified on the basis of our findings, applying longer washing periods for consecutive days seems desirable.
BACKGROUND: Increased hand hygiene measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased quantum of hand eczema (HE). OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of varying washing frequencies using current mild cleansing agents-alongside with the effect of a rehydrating cream-on the epidermal barrier function and inflammatory processes of the stratum corneum(SC). METHODS: Standardized skin washings on the volar aspects of the lower arms of skin-healthy volunteers were performed using the automated cleansing device either 5 or 11 times within 4 h for 60 s each with a standard cleanser, a lipid-containing syndet, or a lipid-containing syndet followed by one-time application of a rehydrating cream. Skin bioengineering parameters (transepidermal water loss, SC hydration, erythema, and SC pH) and biochemical/immunological parameters (interleukin-1α, interleukin-1α receptor antagonist and natural moisturizing factor) of SCsamples collected by tape stripping were assessed. RESULTS: All applied washing procedures provided comparable, mild effects on the epidermal barrier function and skin inflammation. CONCLUSION: Occupational skin cleansers seem to have improved regarding skin barrier damaging effects. To further corroborate this, a study design, modified on the basis of our findings, applying longer washing periods for consecutive days seems desirable.
Authors: Cara Symanzik; Patricia Weinert; Željka Babić; Sarah Hallmann; Martin Stibius Havmose; Jeanne Duus Johansen; Sanja Kezic; Marija Macan; Jelena Macan; Julia Strahwald; Rajka Turk; Henk F van der Molen; Swen Malte John; Wolfgang Uter Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-21 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Cara Symanzik; Lukasz Stasielowicz; Richard Brans; Christoph Skudlik; Swen Malte John Journal: Contact Dermatitis Date: 2022-08-22 Impact factor: 6.419