Does frequent hand washing for COVID-19 prevention
increase the risk of atopic dermatitis?
Hand hygiene procedures are pivotal to prevent self-infection and virus
spreading. However, extensive water contact enhances dry skin, disturbs
the commensal microbiota and leads to barrier disruption in healthy
individuals. Moreover, it exacerbates diseases with an intrinsic barrier
defect such as atopic dermatitis.148,149 Effective
skin-care after hand hygiene is therefore essential to prevent barrier
disruption and sensitization events. Here, emollients containing
hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, ceramide or urea are
recommended.150