LETTER: The surge of Covid-19 cases reminds us again about the importance of hand hygiene and the sanitisation of our surroundings with the use of disinfectants. Our body parts, especially our skin, are consistently exposed to disinfectants, including hand sanitisers.
As disinfectants are mainly chemical agents, they may potentially induce mild to moderate skin reactions, such as redness, skin dryness and thickening, or even rashes, especially with prolonged exposure. Despite being used in small quantities, most disinfectants can be potential skin irritants and allergens.
The use of disinfectants is inevitable considering the long battle with the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, much consideration must be taken to reduce or avoid any potential skin reactions. People with sensitive skin might develop rashes and hives after using hand sanitisers containing disinfecting active agents, such as alcohols, chlorine compounds (hypochlorite or bleaching agents) and benzalkonium chloride.
Alcohol-based sanitisers are the most commonly used disinfectant and the minimum effective alcohol content is 60 per cent. At this high alcohol content, skin irritation and dryness can be common. However, most hand sanitisers contain emollients to moisturise the skin. Therefore, we should still comply with the usual hand hygiene practice. Alternatively, we can apply moisturisers separately.
Even though some disinfectants may not be irritating to the skin at low concentration, extra care should be taken when handling concentrated disinfectants, such as bleaching agents, especially during dilution. The dilution of bleaching agents emits chlorine gas which can be harmful to our skin and eyes especially at a large volume.
It is advisable to wear protective garments such as gloves and goggles when handling, especially during dilution. Damaged skin such as wounds and cuts have a higher risk to skin reactions when in direct contact with disinfectants.
Thus, we should avoid using disinfectants directly on damaged skin. The best prevention is to wear gloves when performing sanitisation. Even though it may not be common, accidental exposure of damaged skin to disinfectants can cause a more severe reaction to our body.
We would like to remind that the use of disinfectants is a must in public places and healthcare settings. However, much care should be given to protect our body from possible skin reactions to disinfectants. We must always read the labels before use to ensure proper handling and to check the need for use of protective garments.
It is suggested to check the direction of use on the labels to avoid harm to users. People with skin health problems such as eczema or dermatitis are prone to skin reactions associated with exposure to disinfectants. People should bring their own hand sanitisers that are compatible and non-allergic to the skin.
DR GOH CHOON FU
Senior lecturer and leading researcher, Skin Research Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang
DR LONG CHIAU MING
Associate Professor, PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times