COMPARISON OF CYTOLOGICAL CHANGES ON PALMAR SURFACE PRIOR AND POST USAGE OF ALCOHOL BASED HAND SANITIZER IN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC. A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background: After the outbreak of global pandemic, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) increased the burden on health care professionals to take action to restrain the virus. WHO recommended hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of the disease. This Pilot study was carried out among 10 volunteered health care professionals to evaluate the effects of frequent use of alcohol based hand sanitizers on palmar surface through PAP test.

Aim: Comparison of cytological changes on palmar surface prior and post usage of alcohol based hand sanitizer in health care professionals during covid 19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods: PAP test was conducted on the smears taken from palmar surface of both the hands of 10 volunteered health care professionals and evaluated for clinical and cytological parameters.

Results and Conclusion:

Health care professionals increased their use of hand sanitizers to prevent further spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) however use of hand sanitizers have adverse effects on the surface of the skin. The current trend in emerging pandemic like COVID 19, both the general public and among health care professionals, frequent washing with detergents, antimicrobial soaps and hand sanitizers needs careful reassessment in light of the damage done to skin. However further studies have be carried out for adequate protection and minimizing the risk of damage on the skin.