Formulation technology as a key component in improving hand hygiene practices

Abstract

Proper hand hygiene has long been recognized as a primary tool in reducing transmission of health care-acquired infections. Compliance with recommended practices and an increase in the frequency of hand hygiene can have a negative impact on skin condition. Poor skin condition can result in reduced compliance with hand hygiene guidelines. In addition to reduced compliance with proper hand hygiene, deterioration in skin condition leads to reduced barrier function of the skin, changes in skin microflora, and increased shedding of skin squames. Thus, poor skin condition can increase the risk of infection, increase costs to the facility, and reduce the quality of life for the health care worker. To address the problem of skin irritation and its link to low compliance to hand hygiene practices, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guideline for Hand Hygiene for Health Care Settings recommends that hand hygiene agents should be well accepted, well tolerated, and formulated to minimize irritancy. Sophisticated formulation technologies and the proper selection of ingredients can provide products that encourage hand hygiene compliance through pleasing aesthetic properties and by overcoming the damaging effects of hand hygiene practices.