Nurses left in pain by handwashing regime

NURSES forced to repeatedly wash their hands to prevent the spread of hospital superbugs are suffering a painful skin condition, it has emerged.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said problems with dermatitis had been reported by its members across Scotland, leading them to develop guidance to help avoid the condition.

In one hospital - Raigmore in Inverness - some staff were said to be so badly affected they had to be put on restrictive duties at work.

Dermatitis can lead to symptoms including redness of the skin, itching and burning. The RCN said in some cases the condition could be so severe that it limited nurses' careers.

A strict hand-washing policy in Scottish hospitals means that staff must frequently clean their hands between tasks and patients to avoid spreading infections such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile.

The policy has been so successful that it has contributed towards hospital acquired infections falling to record lows across Scotland.

But one unintended consequence has been dermatitis developing in some staff.

Dr Steven Ryder, consultant occupational physician for NHS Highland, said: "Dermatitis is a common condition in the general population. Naturally, on occasions, we see nurses and other healthcare workers with dermatitis.

"Most cases are as a result of exposure to irritant factors, such as water, soap and detergents, alcohol gel and glove wear. With good hand care most resolve."

He added: "Occasionally restricted duties are required for a staff member on a temporary basis to allow for the skin to rest and recover and it would be most unusual for someone to lose their job as a result of this condition."

Ellen Hudson, RCN associate director, said as well as through washing, dermatitis could be caused by over-wearing of gloves, or if the wearer is sensitive to latex.

"It is particularly important that action to avoid dermatitis is made in healthcare.

"If a nurse or other member of staff can't wash their hands or use hand gel because they are too sore due to dermatitis, then they can no longer carry out clinical work. It can even become a career-limiting condition," she said.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Staff who have any sign of skin irritation can seek advice from their occupational health department who can arrange for alternative hand cleansing products. This advice should be included in boards' hand hygiene policy."