Damage, Injury and Skin Health

Preventing Damage and Injury to Skin

• Hand washing and drying procedures should be designed to minimize skin damage. Avoid practices that result in skin abrasion, direct contact with strong solvents, scalding water, or harsh chemicals. Rinse hands well to remove soap residue.
• Cuts, sores and rashes should be treated with antibiotic cream and covered with a bandage and a protective waterproof coating. Gloves should be worn to prevent contamination. Dressings should be changed if the bandage gets wet.
• Antimicrobial skin lotion can help maintain skin health and minimize drying and/or cracking. During winter months, hands are most susceptible to drying or cracking due to cold dry conditions. Hand lotion should be dispensed in a way to prevent possible contamination.
• Alcohol-based instant hand sanitizers provide emollients and kill germs, making them a good alternative to traditional hand lotions.
• Treat skin rashes and cracking seriously and aggressively, because colonization by potential pathogens can occur.