Washing your hands often is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of viruses such as COVID-19 and the flu virus. The risk of transmission of COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces exceeds that of breathing in contaminated droplets But what if you have skin conditions such as hand dermatitis, eczema (atopic or dyshidrotic eczema)?
There is a strong link between frequent hand washing and eczema flares. We are told to wash our hands often, the most effective way of preventing spread of viruses and to use soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser to clean our hands regularly. Many of these hand sanitisers are alcohol based so washing your hands often can exacerbate skin conditions such as dry, raw, cracked skin, that stings and is painful and quite often leads to infection. It is very important to keep hands clean particularly during these uncertain times but is equally important not to further damage your skin in doing so.
There is a misconception that hand sanitiser must contain alcohol, however studies have shown that alcohol-based hand sanitisers actually increase the number of bacteria on the skin the more they are used. Alcohol is a solvent that strips away oils that are important for water retention and dries out the skin when it evaporates. This drying effect causes chapping of the skin, creating cracks and crevices where germs may become trapped or hidden. Even if an alcohol-based hand sanitiser has emollients, repeated use will still leave the skin dry, irritated, and more susceptible to invasion by germs. In addition, alcohol-based products are extremely flammable, which is highly undesirable, particularly in medical or school settings. Since EcoHydra’s Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser is water based, it will not sting those small, unseen cuts or abrasions so common with school-age children, hospitality and medical staff. It is highly effective while being very gentle on the skin.
The EchoHydra range is alcohol free, contains the active ingredient Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC). This ingredient on its own has been used for over 60 years in medical sanitation and is approved for safety and effectiveness in antiseptic applications. It’s use has been approved by the EU, as a biocide for use on humans as well as by the US FDA for use as an active ingredient on the hands that have contact with the mouth and as a food additive.
EchoHydra products are unique in that they are very effective at killing bacteria yet do not damage the skin, unlike typical alcohol and Triclosan based products. With it’s antimicrobial formula it is clinically proven to kill up to 99.9999% of germs within 15-30 seconds of application.
As well as it’s sanitizing effects, the EchoHydra range is enriched with the natural moisturiser Aloe Vera, making it pleasant to use and is highly compatible with the skin. It does not break down the skin’s natural barrier, compared to other formulations found in alternative products, but instead complements that barrier. In addition to this, the Aloe Vera in the EchoHydra range is a natural emollient that keeps skin softener and helps the skin stay healthy with repeated use of the product.
This is a huge benefit to those who need to cleanse their hands frequently and helps to improve hand hygiene for protocol compliance. The product also provides lasting protection for up to 4 hours after use, whereas alcohol quickly evaporates and provides no further protection. Regular re-application should be practised, this will improve skin texture making it harder for germs to breed.
For more information on the EchoHydra Product range click here
