As part of our complete guide to hand hygiene we take a look at the final step – Hand Moisturising. The most important step in maintaining good skin condition.

After frequent washing and hand sanitising hands can become dry, sore and chapped over time. If skin is in poor condition this ultimately results in reduced levels of hand hygiene compliance. It is therefore vital to regularly replenish the natural oils lost from the skin with the use of hand creams and moisturisers.

Using skin conditioning cream/moisturisers is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good skin condition. However, this final step is frequently overlooked.

Conditioning creams should be non-ionic to ensure compatibility with chlorhexidine-based antiseptic hand wash products.

Did you know?

Your skin is the largest organ in the body and the first line of defence against microbes, bacteria and UV rays.

Regular use of moisturising cream helps maintain your skin condition.

When should hand cream be applied?

Before work

Applying hand cream before starting daily tasks can help protect the skin from exposure.

After washing hands 

Preventative care or conditioning, as appropriate throughout the day following hand washing and prior to continuing work.

End of work 

Applying cream at the end of the day helps recover skin strength and health.

Hand moisturiser/creams should be applied regularly to maintain healthy skin. When applying hand creams make sure the cream covers all of the hands including between the fingers and the back of the hand.

For those that regularly wear gloves for long periods of time, skin often becomes dry, plus the moisture in the gloves may harbour bacteria. The use of pre-work hand cream can help reduce the negative effects of wearing gloves.

Within the workplace hand creams should be provided in a hygienic wall mounted dispenser or as communal pump bottles. Communal tubs of hand cream should not be used as these have potential to become easily contaminated.

Hand moisturisers/creams should be located in a convenient area such as staff rooms or at nurses’ stations.

Avoid oil-based hand creams

Emollient hand creams used in the healthcare setting must not affect the efficacy of the hand hygiene products (e.g. antiseptic agents) or gloves used (some oil-based hand creams are known to have a potentially damaging effect on gloves).