The ongoing global pandemic has transformed everyday work routines and heightened safety precautions across all sectors. Health organizations worldwide have implemented stringent guidelines to control the spread of the virus and ensure personal safety across various environments including retail, healthcare, and domestic settings.

Hand Hygiene Practices Across Various Sectors

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued comprehensive guidelines emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene across various sectors to prevent virus transmission. Specific recommendations include:

• Healthcare and Nursing Homes - Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, supplemented by the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

• Food and Retail Sectors - Strict adherence to hygiene practices with detailed guidelines for effective hand washing and disposable glove usage. It is emphasized that hand washing should not be substituted by glove use in food environments.

• Transport and Delivery Services - Encouragement for drivers, cargo, and airport staff to use hand sanitizer frequently, especially before handling delivery items.

Impact on Hand Health

Frequent and stringent hand hygiene practices, while crucial for safety, have adverse effects on hand health:

• Skin Damage - Constant hand washing and sanitizing can strip away the skin's natural protective oils, leading to dry, rough, and chapped skin. This damages the skin barrier, increasing susceptibility to infections and dermatological issues.

• Dermatological Conditions - Dermatologists warn that individuals with sensitive skin may experience exacerbated skin diseases such as eczema due to repeated exposure to harsh chemicals in hand sanitizers and soaps.

Challenges Faced by Workers

Workers in various sectors face significant challenges due to the increased frequency of hand hygiene:

• Food Business Sector - Employees must frequently change gloves and wash hands, which can be impractical and lead to decreased compliance over time.

• Healthcare Workers - Following the "My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene," which includes washing hands before and after touching patients and after removing personal protective equipment (PPE), exposes healthcare workers to potential skin harm if protective measures are not adequately provided.

Long-Term Implications

The necessity for prolonged and rigorous hand hygiene practices suggests that workers are likely to continue experiencing skin health issues well beyond the immediate pandemic response period. These conditions can lead to long-term dermatological problems and affect overall well-being and work performance.

Conclusion

The pandemic has underscored the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing disease transmission but has also highlighted the collateral impact on hand health. As the world adapts to new normals, it is crucial to balance the need for rigorous hygiene practices with strategies to protect and maintain skin health. This includes educating workers about the importance of skincare and providing them with the necessary resources to manage the adverse effects of frequent hand washing and glove use.