Polski
Dr. Sławomir Gondek
One of the fundamental aspects of every healthcare worker's job is hand hygiene and the use of medical gloves. These basic and routine actions can lead to serious health issues that are often overlooked. In fact, studies show that up to 80% of nurses and doctors* struggle with various skin problems, and their hands – the tools of their trade and a symbol of care for patients – frequently become a source of pain and discomfort. Moreover, they can pose a potential threat to the patients themselves.
A rarely discussed problem
According to research published in the "Annals of Work Exposures and Health," between 12.9% and 23% of doctors experience dermatitis related to glove use, with gynecologists, internists, and surgeons being particularly affected. These figures should raise concern, especially considering that doctors' work relies on direct contact with patients, and the health of their hands directly impacts the quality of care they can provide.[1]
Skin problems most commonly manifest as irritation, dryness, and cracking of the epidermis. In more advanced cases, they appear as contact dermatitis, which can lead to painful ulcers. The primary cause is prolonged contact between the skin and the inner surface of gloves, leading to mechanical abrasions, which are further exacerbated by significantly increased humidity due to occlusion and the presence of various chemically aggressive components in sweat. Frequent use of skin disinfectants also plays a significant role, having a particularly negative effect on skin condition in urgent situations, where gloves are worn before the disinfectant has fully evaporated. [2]
Lack of awareness
Many healthcare workers are unaware that the skin irritations and problems they experience are not merely a "normal" part of their job. Often, in the rush of daily work, they downplay the symptoms, believing them to be inevitable. The constant lack of time due to staff shortages, combined with the immense importance and responsibility of their tasks, leads to postponing efforts to address these issues. However, the reality is different – the right approach to hand care and the use of properly selected gloves can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, these problems.
Unfortunately, as research published in the "International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health" reveals, awareness of the risks associated with inadequate hand protection remains low, and the lack of training and education in this area contributes to the growing problem. [3]
Damaged Skin Barrier – A Pathway to Cross-Contamination
One of the most concerning consequences of a damaged skin barrier is the increased risk of cross-contamination. The skin serves as a natural protective barrier against pathogens, and when damaged, it provides an entry point for bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Nurses and doctors who suffer from skin irritations and micro-injuries on their hands are three times more likely to carry multi-drug-resistant microorganisms. These pathogens can be transmitted to patients, leading to life-threatening hospital-acquired infections. Additionally, the financial aspect cannot be overlooked, as treating infection-related complications generates significant costs for the healthcare system.[1]
Cross-contamination is one of the most common threats in medical facilities and presents a serious challenge for modern medicine. Studies published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" clearly demonstrate that a damaged skin barrier significantly increases this risk.[1]
Straty finansowe związane z absencją chorobową
Hand skin irritations not only affect work comfort but can also lead to sick leave. Healthcare workers suffering from chronic skin problems are often forced to take breaks from work to treat their conditions. According to research conducted by "Occupational Medicine," sick leave due to skin issues can cost hospitals thousands of złoty annually [3]. The peak of sick leave related to skin problems, according to ZUS data, occurs in the most professionally active age group, from 40 to 59 years old [4].
The absence of medical staff due to skin conditions places additional strain on other employees, which in turn can affect the quality of patient care and generate costs related to staffing replacements and additional personnel training. Introducing modern solutions, such as gloves enriched with protective and regenerative ingredients, can help reduce these losses and improve the health of the staff.
Oat extract – A Natural Solution for Healthy Hands
One potential solution to help combat skin problems is the use of medical gloves infused with oat extract. Oats (Avena sativa) are well known for their exceptional skin-care properties, which can provide relief to skin frequently exposed to irritating substances. The moisturizing and soothing effects of oat extract could help reduce irritation, promote healing, and create a more comfortable experience for healthcare workers, helping to protect their hands while maintaining high standards of hygiene.
Oat Extract is rich in beta-glucans, which have moisturizing, soothing, and regenerating properties. Clinical studies have shown that regular use of products containing oat extract significantly improves skin hydration and reduces irritation symptoms. Additionally, oats possess natural antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which is particularly important in the context of prolonged glove use. [5]
Potential Benefits of Oat Extract in Medical Gloves
1. Soothing Irritations
Oat extract is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that soothes irritations and reduces skin redness. For nurses and doctors who wear gloves for long hours, this is especially important as it helps alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of developing more serious skin issues. [5]
2. Hydration
Oats are known for their moisturizing properties. The beta-glucans found in oat extract form a protective film on the skin that retains moisture and prevents its loss, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin in work environments that often promote skin dryness. [5]
3. Skin Regeneration
Thanks to its content of vitamins and minerals, oats support skin regeneration by accelerating the healing process of minor wounds and micro-damages to the epidermis. Regular use of gloves with oat extract can significantly improve the condition of the hands, even with intensive use. [5]
4. Antioxidant Protection
Antyoksydanty zawarte w wyciągu z owsa pomagają neutralizować wolne rodniki, które przyspieszają procesy starzenia się skóry. Dla personelu medycznego, który codziennie naraża swoje ręce na kontakt z różnymi chemikaliami, ochrona antyoksydacyjna jest dodatkowym atutem. Dzięki temu, skóra dłoni pozostaje zdrowsza i bardziej odporna na uszkodzenia spowodowane czynnikami zewnętrznymi.[5]
Summary: The Need for Change
The issue of hand irritations and skin conditions among healthcare workers is serious and deserves greater attention. Introducing medical gloves infused with oat extract into widespread use could be a significant step toward improving working conditions for nurses and doctors, thereby enhancing the quality of patient care. Proper understanding and addressing of this issue are key to ensuring that healthcare professionals can perform their duties in a safe, comfortable, and effective manner.
It is also important to emphasize that preventive measures and appropriate personal protective equipment can significantly reduce sick leave and lower the costs associated with staffing replacements and the treatment of skin conditions among medical personnel. Investing in modern solutions, such as gloves with added oat extract, not only improves the quality of life and work for healthcare workers but also enhances the efficiency and quality of medical care.
*- unpublished personal research by the author
Bibliography:
1. Henning, M. A. S., Jemec, G. B., & Ibler, K. S. (2021). Occupational skin disease in physicians: A review of the literature. *Annals of Work Exposures and Health*, 65(1), 11-25. doi: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa091
2. Epidemiology of occupational dermatoses associated with personal protective equipment use in the COVID-19 pandemic: Risk factors and mitigation strategies for frontline health care workers. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*. (2022). doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.05.001
3. Quaade, A. S., Simonsen, A. B., Halling, A. S., Thyssen, J. P., & Johansen, J. D. (2021). Prevalence, risk factors, and prevention of occupational contact dermatitis among professional cleaners: a systematic review. *International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health*, 84(6), 361-374. doi: 10.1007/s00420-021-01648-3
4. Absencja chorobowa w 2023 roku, Departament Statystyki i Prognoz Aktuarialnych ZUS, opracowanie: Ewa Karczewicz Agnieszka Sikora, Wydział Badań Statystycznych, źródło: https://www.zus.pl/documents/10182/39590/Absencja+chorobowa+w+2023+roku.pdf/57361117-44fc-4c48-ecad-82685bebdb32?t=1716895964320
5. Capone K, Kirchner F, Klein SL, Tierney NK. Effects of Colloidal Oatmeal Topical Atopic Dermatitis Cream on Skin Microbiome and Skin Barrier Properties. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 May 1;19(5):524-531. PMID: 32484623.