The Influence of Soap and Alcohol-based Cleanser on Human Skin

Abstract

Soap and alcohol or alcohol-based cleansers have been used as hand disinfectants and routine hand washing material for a long time. With the COVID-19 being pandemic, there is an increase in the routine use of soap and sanitizers. No doubt washing hands for 20 seconds with proper technique and proper soap could kill the Coronavirus but the effect of regular use of soap on the skin is not addressed by the general public. It has been shown by the in vitro as well as in vivo studies that the frequent use of soap and detergents may harm the skin. The harsh surfactants in cleansers can damage skin proteins and lipids and can cause dryness, irritation, barrier damage, and itching problems. Furthermore, the use of soap can change the natural pH and deplete the natural flora of the skin giving the pathogen an opportunity to transiently colonize the skin surface. This paper explains the damages that may be caused to skin due to excessive use of soap and detergents, the ways to mitigate those damages, and potential alternative to detergent-based soaps.

Review on Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Research Advancements on the Use of Medical Gloves Concerning Hand Dermatitis Among Health Care Workers

“…Among the four research articles [ 19 , 22 , 26 , 27 ], frequent hand washing was reported to cause a significant increase in the odds of developing HD. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and disinfectants has been reported to cause skin dryness, leading to skin irritation or HD [ [39] , [40] , [41] , [42] ]. A commonly advised hygiene method, hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers and disinfectants could, in extreme situations, cause increased skin permeability, stripping the skin of natural oils and moisture, resulting in roughness and irritation [ 43 ].…”

A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey

“…Various reports have claimed that long-term use of surfactants causes dryness and roughness of the skin (Goh et al, 2021 ; Paudel et al, 2022 ; Shibuya et al, 2022 ). Similarly, alcohol-based substances despite their low permeability to the skin had the most skin effects as a result of prolonged contact and regular and continuous use.…”

A Comprehensive Health Effects Assessment of the Use of Sanitizers and Disinfectants during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Survey

“…The US centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) reported an increase in calls to the center because of overuse and frequent exposure to cleaning chemicals during the Covid-19 pandemic (CDC, 2020;Rosenman et al, 2021).Various reports have claimed that long-term use of surfactants causes dryness and roughness of the skin(Goh et al, 2021;Paudel et al, 2022;Shibuya et al, 2022). Similarly, alcohol-based substances despite their low permeability to the skin had the most skin effects as a result of prolonged contact and regular and continuous use.…”