Hand Skin Care

 

What You Need to Know About Hand Skin Care

WHEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR HANDS?

• When coming on duty
• Between all breaks in procedures
• Before performing new procedures.
• Before equipment preparation.
• Before and after eating
• Before donning gloves and after removing gloves
  Before and after using the restroom
• When moving from a contaminated procedure site to a clean procedure site.
• After touching inanimate objects that are likely contaminated.
• When hands are soiled, e.g., after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

Hand skin care is crucial for veterinarians and animal care providers

Hand skin care is crucial for veterinarians due to their frequent exposure to various substances and frequent hand washing. This report provides a comprehensive overview of hand skin care for veterinarians, focusing on the importance of proper hand hygiene, common skin issues faced by veterinarians, and effective strategies for prevention and treatment.  The FDA has information on hand washing.

Importance of proper hand hygiene:

– Regular hand washing and sanitizing are necessary to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and infections.
– Veterinarians should wash their hands before and after every patient interaction to remove potential pathogens.

Common skin issues faced by veterinarians:
– Contact dermatitis: Veterinarians often come into contact with irritants and allergens, leading to skin inflammation and itchiness.
– Dry skin: Frequent hand washing and exposure to disinfectants can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and cracks.
– Microbial infections: Constant exposure to animals and their bodily fluids increases the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.

Prevention and treatment strategies:

– Use mild, pH-balanced soaps and sanitizers to minimize skin irritation.
– Moisturize hands regularly with fragrance-free creams or ointments to restore hydration.
– Wear protective gloves when handling animals or potentially harmful substances.
– Implement proper infection control practices to reduce the risk of microbial infections.

In conclusion, proper hand skin care is essential for veterinarians to maintain healthy skin and prevent occupational skin issues. By practicing good hand hygiene, using suitable skincare products, and taking preventive measures, veterinarians can minimize the negative impacts on their skin health.