Frequent Use of Hand Sanitizer... Hand Eczema Prevails Even in Midwinter

On the 19th, hand sanitizers for COVID-19 prevention were provided at the 'K-Handmade Fair 2020' held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The event runs until the 22nd. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, 'Hanmyeon' (dyshidrotic eczema), which mainly occurs in the summer, is also rampant during the winter this year. This is because personal hygiene has been emphasized due to COVID-19, leading to frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers.

Hanmyeon is a condition characterized by the repeated formation of small, transparent blisters on the palms or soles, causing itching. It is a chronic recurrent eczema, and since its exact cause has not yet been identified, fundamental treatment is difficult.

Hanmyeon is generally known to worsen in the summer. However, since the COVID-19 outbreak, the number of patients complaining of hand eczema, such as Hanmyeon, regardless of the season, has increased. In fact, according to a study conducted on healthcare workers after the COVID-19 outbreak, 74.5% of respondents reported experiencing hand eczema.

In particular, those who washed their hands more than 10 times a day had more than twice the risk of developing hand eczema compared to those who washed less than 10 times. Professor Kang Min-seo of the Department of Korean Medicine Otolaryngology and Dermatology at Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital explained, "The frequency of hand hygiene practices such as hand washing and hand sanitizer use plays a major role in the occurrence of hand eczema."

Experts advise patients with hand eczema, including Hanmyeon, to avoid using hand sanitizers as much as possible. Professor Kang said, "The alcohol content in hand sanitizers not only causes stinging and burning sensations but also dries out the skin and worsens skin tissue damage," adding, "It is best to avoid using hand sanitizers whenever possible."

He continued, "For Hanmyeon patients, the best method is to wash hands the minimum number of times using hand cleansers with minimized irritating ingredients. Normally, wearing cotton gloves to minimize external contact and applying a moisturizer without irritating ingredients after drying the hands is recommended."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.