The pandemic has been tough on everyone, but it has also been tough on skin. Chair of the RCN UK Safety Reps Committee Ali Upton explains how to strike the balance between appropriate glove use, skin health and effective infection prevention and control
Hand hygiene has never been so important; it is an effective way to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, but excessive washing can damage the skin.
Speaking at the start of Glove Awareness Week, Ali shares how safety reps can use their role to better promote good skin health and reduce incidences of work-related skin conditions.
Handwashing is a necessary part of the job for all nursing staff, but it can be done safely
Taking care
This year, many health care professionals will have found themselves washing their hands more regularly, which can make them vulnerable to dry skin complaints including contact dermatitis.
This is a painful condition that can cause the skin to severely crack, which can be an infection risk to staff and patients. Nursing staff may even have to leave clinical areas if their condition deteriorates.
“We should be encouraging members to report any disruption to the skin,” says Ali. “Nursing staff should feel like they can speak up and report their concerns to managers, complete an incident form, and inform occupational health services.
“Handwashing is a necessary part of the job for all nursing staff, but it can be done safely to help avoid any painful or debilitating skin conditions.”
Ali’s top tips for handwashing are:
- wet hands before applying soap
- adjust the water temperature if you can so it is neither too hot nor too cold
- use soft, absorbent hand towels to dry hands thoroughly
- pat hands dry and pay attention to between the fingers.
Making smart decisions
“Glove use has increased during the pandemic,” explains Ali.
Unnecessarily wearing gloves can undermine hand hygiene strategies and miss opportunities designed to make services more environmentally friendly.
By focusing on reducing unnecessary glove use, nursing staff can reduce waste at all parts of the glove production and use cycle and effect positive change.
Staff must always be aware of their role within wider strategies around glove use and handwashing
“This increased usage has also meant that some staff are wearing gloves continually, and this in turn has increased the prevalence of contact dermatitis,” Ali says.
“Staff must always be aware of their role within wider strategies around glove use and handwashing. Not only will this be better for the environment, but it can also decrease the incidence of poor skin health.”
What can reps do?
Your employer should have a programme of skin checks in place for nursing staff exposed to the risk of work-related dermatitis, so ask for more information about how they intend to support staff if any are affected.
“Ensure that there are visual aids around the department on skin health and emphasise the need for wearing gloves at appropriate times during the shift,” says Ali.
“Keep in mind the importance of removing gloves and washing with soap and water, drying well and then regularly applying moisturiser.”
Key points that nurses should always remember:
- glove use is not a substitute for good hand hygiene
- ensure gloves are only worn when necessary
- wash and dry hands thoroughly
- moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.
Make one change
In May, the RCN runs a week-long awareness campaign for nursing staff to highlight when gloves should and shouldn’t be worn and how to look after your skin to prevent infection.
You can take part in Glove Awareness Week and access our free downloadable materials and engage with us online, including via social media.
This year, we're asking members to “make one change” and commit to a more thoughtful approach to skin health and glove use.
Promoting this message on social media and on pledge boards, we are hoping this will encourage other nursing staff to make changes to their daily routine.
