Prevalence of Occupational Hand Eczema among Healthcare Workers and its Associated Risk Factors in a Tertiary Hospital in Sarawak During Covid-19 Pandemic.

Background: Occupational hand eczema (OHE) is common among healthcare workers (HCWs), especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Aims: Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of OHE among HCWs and to identify its associated risk factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire study was done. It was followed by a clinical assessment of subjects with skin changes on their hands to determine the likely cause and its severity. Descriptive analysis and inferential analysis were performed to determine the prevalence of OHE and its associated risk factors. Results: A total of 1004 HCWs with a mean age of 34.58 years old were recruited. Of these, 50.1% were nurses, another 24.6% were doctors. A 1-year prevalence of 42.3% and a point prevalence of 16.5% were reported. Dry skin (n = 368, 86.6%) and itching (n = 274, 64.5%) were the common symptoms. Risk factors that were significantly associated with OHE were atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, frequent hand washing and caring for children under four years old, whereas HCWs who frequently use alcoholic disinfectant and moisturizer hand cream showed lower odds of OHE. No significant association was found between age, gender, profession, involvement in COVID-19 care, number or duration of glove usage and occurrence of hand eczema. Conclusions: We report a high prevalence of OHE among HCWs during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Education and effective preventive measures are paramount to prevent and improve occupational dermatosis.

Evaluation of skin damage owing to protecting measures against COVID-19 among health staff in the west of Iran

Background So far, studies have not been performed regarding skin damage owing to protective measures against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by health staff in Iran. Therefore, the present study was performed to assess skin damages owing to protecting measures against COVID-19 among health workers in Hamadan City located in the west of Iran. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 273health staff working in hospitals affiliated to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The inclusion criteria were health personnel working in hospitals involved in the care and treatment of patients with COVID-19 in the city of Hamadan. The authors used a researcher-developed questionnaire to gather data. All the analyses were done using Stata version 14-2. P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results The most common skin signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in health staff were dryness, redness, and itch, representing in 83.78, 53, and 40.99% of hospital staff, respectively. All participants used hand disinfectants, with a frequency in the range of 1-5 times in 29.33% and more than 20 times in 19.79% of them. Using a mask for more than 6h in daily practice was significantly associated with skin dryness (P=0.007), skin redness (P=0.001), scaling (P=0.019), and skin pain (P=0.005). Conclusion The findings showed that the prevalence of skin damages related to using protective equipment is high, and simple interventions may help preserve health workers to care for patients infected by COVID-19.

Case report of an antimelanoma differentiationassociated protein 5 antibody-associated amyopathic dermatomyositis

Autoantibodies against melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5) associated with dermatomyositis have recently been described in Asians with rapidly progressive respiratory disease. Here we report the case of a middle-aged white woman with anti-MDA5 antibody-associated amyopathic dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease (ILD), which is stable with minimal immune suppression. A 55-year-old woman was referred to a virtual dermatology clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic suspected of having widespread eczema involving the chest, face, arm and hands on the background of atopy. On direct questioning, she admitted to having constitutional symptoms, exertional dyspnoea, joint pain and symptoms of proximal muscle weakness. On clinical suspicion of possible connective tissue disorder, she was urgently reviewed in the hospital, where she was found to have a photodistributed rash involving cutaneous ulceration and violaceous plaques. Hand examination showed mechanic's hand mimicking hand eczema, ragged nail cuticles and acute tenosynovitis in the left index finger. Her upper and lower limb muscle power was normal and respiratory examination revealed bi-basal fine end-expiratory crepitation. Her repeated biochemical, haematological and muscle enzymes remained normal. Skin biopsy taken from photosensitive rash over the wrist showed hypergranulosis, Civatte body formation, colloid bodies and dyskeratotic keratinocytes, in keeping with severe lichenoid eruption. Superficial dermis showed patchy red-cell extravasation, perivascular chronic infiltration, dermal oedema and serum on the surface, in keeping with ulceration secondary to severe inflammatory processes. There were no eosinophils and eccrine coils were free of inflammation, raising the suspicion of a drug eruption. Her antinuclear antibody and double-stranded DNA were repeatedly negative. Myositisspecific antibody panel was performed owing to a high clinical suspicion of photosensitive dermatoses, both clinically and histologically. Histology revealed positive anti-MDA5 antibodies;repeated positive testing confirmed this. Although lung function was normal, computed tomography revealed evidence of ILD. We made a diagnosis of anti-MDA5 antibodyassociated amyopathic dermatomyositis with ILD. Her malignancy screening was negative. The patient was started on lowdose prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice daily, with topical steroid applications, which resulted in remarkable clinical improvement. Anti-MDA5 associated dermatomyositis has characteristic cutaneous lesions consisting of skin ulceration and tender palmar papules, mechanic's hands, inflammatory arthritis and rapidly progressive ILD, which is frequently fatal. Although our patient had ILD, she was relatively stable on minimal immunosuppression. It is important for clinicians to have an increased awareness of this disease as it could have a highly variable clinical presentation in the white population.

Implementation of the Hand Hygiene Eczema Education Program to Improve Patient Knowledge and Symptoms.

Background: COVID-19 hand hygiene recommendation had resulted in a hand eczema -exacerbation. The guidelines of care for the management of hand eczema recommend the use of educational interventions for patients. Objective: An educational intervention was designed to increase the patient's knowledge of appropriate hand hygiene and improve the patient's symptoms. Methods: The validated self-assessment patient-oriented eczema measure tool and pre- and post-tests were used to measure outcomes prior to educational intervention and again in 1-2 months postintervention. Of the 26 participants enrolled, 21 completed the study. The study included newly diagnosed or established patients with eczema, and the education material was available for all patients. Results: The difference between the average pretest and initial posttest was statistically significant (df = 20, P (T ≤ t) = 0.000663535, p < .05). Similarly, the difference between the average pretest and follow-up posttest was also statistically significant (df = 20, P (T ≤ t) < 0.001, p < .05). Participants also had a 2.04 mean point decrease in symptoms severity. Conclusions: The results demonstrated an improvement in patient's knowledge and reduction in symptoms. Implications for Nursing: The program can serve as a new guideline for managing hand eczema symptoms due to COVID-19 in the adult population in the private office setting.

Questionnaire-Based Study Evaluating the Hand Hygiene Practices and the Impact of Disinfection in the COVID-19 Pandemic on Hand Skin Conditions in Poland.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, disinfection became an integral part of everybody's life in order to avoid spreading the coronavirus. In 2021, an original anonymous online survey was carried out. The questions concerned the usage of disinfectants. The study population included 56 subjects diagnosed by a physician with hand eczema (HE-derm group) and 114 subjects with no hand skin disease diagnosed by a specialist (non-derm). The HE and non-HE groups were distinguished. Nearly 80% of the HE group, and 10% of the non-HE group, experienced worsening of hand skin lesions caused by increased skin disinfection. HE-group respondents more often declared the occurrence of new hand skin symptoms, over 80% of the subjects of this group had more than 1 new symptom (compared to nearly 40% of the non-HE group). Exacerbations of the skin disease were more frequently observed by the HE group during the pandemic. There was a statistically significant decrease of the quality of life in the HE group compared to the non-HE group during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in the prevalence of hand skin symptoms and deterioration of the skin condition. Education on appropriate disinfection techniques and skincare, as well as early dermatological intervention, might allow us to limit the development of hand skin diseases.

Hand Eczema in Apprentice Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic after a Skin Prevention Program.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers, particularly nurses and apprentice nurses, are at high risk of the development of hand eczema due to daily exposure to wet work. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of hand eczema in a group of first-, second-, and third-year apprentice nurses at the University Hospitals of Trieste (northeastern Italy) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Two hundred forty-two Nursing School students were recruited. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire based on the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire, and all patients underwent a medical examination to evaluate their skin condition based on standard scores. Transepidermal water loss was also measured. The factors associated with hand eczema were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of hand eczema was low in students both before and after the traineeship (17.9 and 21.5%, respectively), but clinical signs of mild skin damage, mainly skin dryness, were present in 52.3 and 47.2%, respectively. The factor associated with hand eczema was a personal history of atopic eczema (odd ratios 2.61, 95% confidence intervals 1.18-5.80), while exposure to irritants and glove use did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings might be explained by the preventive measures adopted for skin protection among healthcare workers in Trieste since the apprenticeship.

Hand dermatitis: Readability, quality, and comprehensiveness of online patient health resources

Introduction: Hand dermatitis causes significant physical, psychosocial, and economic burden. The internet is a major source of health education for patients. Here, we evaluate the readability, quality, and comprehensiveness of online health resources on hand dermatitis. Methods: On July 27th 2021, a Google search was conducted with terms “hand dermatitis” and “hand eczema” and the first 40 items were evaluated. Articles that were advertisements, blogs, intended for professionals, scientific papers, or irrelevant were excluded. Contents of articles were evaluated using several validated grading tools/criteria for readability and quality and Pearson’s correlation assessed the relationship between readability and quality. Results: Twenty-three articles met inclusion criteria. Average readability was at the 11th-grade level (range 7.7-15.6). University-level reading comprehension (≥13th grade) was required for 5/23 websites. The highest quality website based on the Discern instrument was Medical News Today (55.5);nearly half of the websites (48%, 11/23) rated as poor or very poor. The average JAMA benchmark score was only 1.4/4. Nineteen websites contained images (83%) and only 4 websites (21%) included images representing hand dermatitis in skin of color (SOC). Quality and readability of the articles were significantly correlated (P =.02). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that generally, articles were too difficult to read, have low quality, and lack representation of SOC images. With increases in hand dermatitis in the setting of frequent hand-hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for online health information to improve in readability, quality, and inclusion of SOC images to optimize online patient education.

Hand Eczema: Diagnostic approach and management

Hand eczema (HE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the hand with a prevalence of 14.5% worldwide. The incidence of HE has increased considerably during Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic due to increased hand hygiene practice. Despite not affecting the mortality rate, HE can decrease the patient's quality of life significantly and increase morbidity. In general, HE can be classified based on its onset, etiology, precipitating factors, and clinical morphology. The diagnosis of HE is established through history taking and physical examination, however, several diagnostic tests should be performed to identify the etiology and exclude the differential diagnosis, including dermoscopic examination, histopathological examination, patch test, and prick test. In addition to diagnostic tests, the severity of HE should also be established to determine the appropriate therapy and monitor the therapeutic responses. After HE is identified, comprehensive management should be provided immediately so that HE will not progress into a chronic disorder which will further decrease the patient's quality of life.

Prevention of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A controlled intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Occupational hand eczema (HE) is common among healthcare workers (HCWs) and has-in some regions of the world-increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to related hygiene measures. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of an intervention for HE prevention in HCWs during the pandemic. METHODS: A prospective, controlled, unblinded interventional trial was conducted in 302 HCWs. The intervention group (IG) (n = 135) received online-based health education and free access to hand cleansing and hand care products. The control group (CG) (n = 167) did not receive any intervention within the study. At baseline (T0), after 3 (T1) and 6 (T2) months, participants completed standardized questionnaires. The Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI) was assessed at T0 and T2. RESULTS: During the observation period, there were no new HE cases in the IG (n = 115) and 12 cases (8.8%) in the CG (n = 136). OHSI values at T2 were lower in the IG (b = -1.44, p < 0.001). Daily use of emollients was higher at work (b = 1.73, p < 0.001) and at home (b = 1.62, p < 0.001) in the IG at T2. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was effective in HE prevention and improving skin care behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hygiene in Dermatology: SARS-CoV-2 and Variants of Concern

Around the world the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impaired life and work. With the beginning of vaccinations, the hope of a turnaround increases. Nevertheless, COVID and intensive care units in hospitals are still heavily burdened. Often, for capacity reasons, medical dermatological as well as dermatological nursing specialists are involved in treatment and care of COVID-19 patients in clinics. As a result dermatological manifestations of COVID-19 could be recognized and classified more closely in the course of the pandemic. However, differentiated hygiene concepts, especially that of hand hygiene, reveal another dermatological problem associated with the pandemic: the development of hand eczema. This is not limited to medical professions and therefore shows a possible overriding importance of dermatology in the context of future pandemic strategies.

Contact dermatitis in healthcare workers: epidemic at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are generally exposed to a considerable amount of wet work - including a high frequency of hand washing and long wearing periods of protective gloves with accompanying heat congestion and sweating by occlusion - and thus a high risk of developing hand eczema (HE), mainly caused by irritant contact dermatitis. Intensified hand hygiene measures have been implemented for containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which emerged in the beginning of 2020 and has led to increased skin strain in the general population and particularly in HCWs who face a double burden due to elevated hygiene measures both in private life and at work. Recent studies verify that prevalence of occupational dermatoses in HCWs has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations for preventing occupational HE include the use of adequate skin cleansing substances and skin care products, which can be taught within health education programs. It was previously shown that health education interventions are effective in the prevention of occupational dermatoses and especially HE. The unprecedentedly high incidence of contact dermatitis in HCWs associated with COVID-19-associated hygiene measures entails the need for tailored HE prevention strategies to preserve the working ability of HCWs who are urgently needed in tackling the pandemic and its consequences. Current findings and future perspectives will be discussed in this speech.

Corona Chronicles: A Cross-sectional Survey of Practices, Challenges, and Dermatological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE: Mask usage and hand hygiene are the pillars of defense against the novel pathogen causing COVID-19. This study was conducted to compare these practices among healthcare workers (HCWs) and nonhealthcare workers (nonHCWs) and to examine the outlook toward the healthcare sector among the two. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey (via Google forms) using snowball sampling was conducted. Appropriate ethical clearance was taken from the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC). HCWs and nonHCWs 18 years of age or older with basic literacy in English and with internet access were included. RESULTS: There were 404 total respondents (M:F ratio: 0.87:1;mean age: 30.16±9.63 years). Among the respondents, 63.3 percent were HCWs while 35.6 percent were nonHCWs. Persons performing hand hygiene more than10 times/ day were found to be almost three times more likely to develop skin dryness (odds ratio [OR]: 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.372, 6.362). Female participants were found to be 2.5 times more likely to develop dryness (odds ratio: 2.594, 95% CI: 1.590, 4.234). Use of gloves was found to be a protective factor against development of dryness (odds ratio: 0.485,95% CI: 0.287, 0.818). A statistically significant correlation was found between mask acne and female respondents (p-value=0.000), HCWs (p-value=0.000), and use of N95 mask in combination with surgical mask (p-value=0.04). LIMITATIONS: Being an online survey, responses could not be captured from people with limited internet access and of lower socioeconomic strata. CONCLUSION: There is a considerable burden of preventive measures on HCWs and nonHCWs alike. Significant dermatological implications are seen with frequent hand hygiene and mask usage.

Hand hygiene and hand eczema: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hand eczema is a common inflammatory condition of the skin that has been linked to hand hygiene. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the risks of hand eczema associated with hand hygiene, including frequency of hand washing, wet work and use of alcohol hand rub. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library was performed for cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies that analysed the association between hand hygiene and risk of hand eczema. Results of individual studies were presented in respective forest plots and pooled summary relative risks were estimated using a random-effects model. Forty-five studies were included in the analysis. Hand washing at least 8-10 times daily significantly increased risk of hand eczema (relative risk [RR] 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-1.68; p < 0.001). The risk was related to hand washing frequency, with higher pooled RR of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.51-1.83; p < 0.001) with increased hand washing at least 15-20 times daily. However, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer was not significantly associated with risk of hand eczema. Given the widespread implementation of hand hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a pertinent need to understand skin care habits specific to the hands to avoid a greater incidence of hand eczema.

Hand eczema, wet work exposure, and quality of life in health care workers in Denmark during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The focus on hand hygiene during the pandemic has been reported to increase the hand eczema (HE) prevalence in health care workers (HCWs); however, detailed prospective data are missing. Objective: To evaluate changes in HE prevalence, exposures, and health-related quality of life among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, HCWs employed at the hospitals in Copenhagen responded to a digital questionnaire at the beginning of the pandemic and 11 months thereafter. Results: A total of 795 HCWs responded to both questionnaires (83.4% women). The calculated 1-year HE prevalence decreased from 16.0% at baseline to 13.0% at follow-up. The number of hand washings decreased significantly, whereas the use of alcohol-based hand rubs on wet skin increased significantly. In a logistic regression model, increased use of alcohol-based hand rubs on wet skin was associated with HE at follow-up (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.11-2.87). Health-related quality of life worsened slightly at follow-up, with HE severity and frequent flareups being risk factors for a reduced health-related quality of life. Limitations: Sample size. Conclusion: In contrast to previous studies undertaken during the pandemic, we found a relatively low and stable HE prevalence. Our findings suggest that the interaction between changed exposures and HE is complex and cannot be linked to a single factor.

Evaluation of clinical efficacy of synthetic tannin and polidocanol-based agents and modern emollients in the hand eczema treatment. Use of new hand antiseptics during the pandemic in patients with hand eczema

Background. Patients with hand eczema account for 30–40% of dermatological patients. With the pandemic of new coronavirus infection COVID-19 and the need for frequent antiseptics use, there has been a steady increase in hand eczema incidence. The dominant symptoms in exacerbating eczema are skin inflammation and itching, which requires effective and safe skincare that is effective and safe. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of the therapy with synthetic tannin and polidocanol-based agents and modern emollients, the time of resolution and degree of severity of clinical symptoms of eczema in patients, as well as the time and duration of remission, safety and compliance with sodium hypochlorite hand antiseptic spray. Materials and methods. Thirty-four patients with exacerbation of hand eczema were examined. The study was conducted in two stages. At the stage 1, before the remission, the patients received synthetic tannin and polidocanol-based agents and modern emollients;at the stage 2, monotherapy with modern emollients was used. Patients used sodium hypochlorite spray as a hand sanitizer throughout the study period. Results. The NESCI score became zero in 33 (96%) patients after the complex treatment of hand eczema. The Dermatology Life Quality Index by the end of stage 2 decreased 6-fold compared to the beginning of the study. No exacerbation of the dermatosis was observed in any of the patients included in the study during the use of sodium hypochlorite hand spray. Conclusion. The complex therapy with synthetic tannin, polidocanol-based agents, and modern emollients in hand eczema helps to achieve stable medical remission, decreases the itching intensity, and improves the patients’ quality of life. The use of new hand sanitizers during the pandemic in patients with hand eczema did not result in dermatosis exacerbations.

Effects of skin washing frequency on the epidermal barrier function and inflammatory processes of the epidermis: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Increased hand hygiene measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased quantum of hand eczema (HE). OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of varying washing frequencies using current mild cleansing agents-alongside with the effect of a rehydrating cream-on the epidermal barrier function and inflammatory processes of the stratum corneum(SC). METHODS: Standardized skin washings on the volar aspects of the lower arms of skin-healthy volunteers were performed using the automated cleansing device either 5 or 11 times within 4 h for 60 s each with a standard cleanser, a lipid-containing syndet, or a lipid-containing syndet followed by one-time application of a rehydrating cream. Skin bioengineering parameters (transepidermal water loss, SC hydration, erythema, and SC pH) and biochemical/immunological parameters (interleukin-1α, interleukin-1α receptor antagonist and natural moisturizing factor) of SCsamples collected by tape stripping were assessed. RESULTS: All applied washing procedures provided comparable, mild effects on the epidermal barrier function and skin inflammation. CONCLUSION: Occupational skin cleansers seem to have improved regarding skin barrier damaging effects. To further corroborate this, a study design, modified on the basis of our findings, applying longer washing periods for consecutive days seems desirable.

What do COVID-19-associated hygiene measures mean for the skin health of healthcare workers? Results of a controlled, prospective intervention study

Introduction: More than 100,000 occupational COVID-19 infections in healthcare workers (HCW) were reported in Germany from 12/2020 to 6/2021. Hygiene measures were consequently tightened further. We investigated the impact of current hygiene measures on the incidence of hand eczema (HE) and the effect of prevention measures during the above-mentioned period. Materials and Methods: 302 nurses from two hospitals were recruited for a controlled intervention study. The intervention group (IG, n=135) underwent a two-part intervention (online health education course and provision of a skin cleansing and skin care product ad libitum). The control group (CG, n=167) received no intervention. The skin condition of the hands was assessed by a dermatologist at baseline (T0) and after 6 months (T2) using the Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI). Results: The drop-out rate was 16.9% at T2. New HE developed in none of the 115 participants of the IG but in 12 (8.8%) of the 136 participants of the CG. With the same baseline score (1.5 points in both groups at T0), the OHSI showed statistically significantly better values in the IG than in the CG at T2 (0.6 points vs. 2.1 points, p<.001). Conclusions: The intervention did not only contribute to maintenance but even to improvement of the skin condition. A decrease in hygiene measures is not to be expected in the foreseeable future. The use of the intervention concept in the context of the prevention of occupational HE among HCW seems reasonable. Skin protection and skin care recommendations of the online health education course can also be adapted for other high-risk occupations.

Risk factors for hand eczema in the general population of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic: An internet-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Hand eczema (HE) is a common disorder that negatively impacts the quality of life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have shown an increase in HE in health care workers. However, data on the general population are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of HE among the Saudi general population during the pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire composed of 4 sections (participant characteristics, history of atopic disorders, hand hygiene methods, and HE symptoms). It was distributed on Twitter during the lockdown period, between August 2020 and September 2020. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were conducted using STATA v16. RESULTS: A total of 582 (52.6% women and 47.4% men) participants responded to the questionnaire. The 6-month prevalence of HE was 34%. In multivariable analysis, having a past history of eczema, rhinitis/conjunctivitis, using soaps for >5 times daily, using gloves daily, and using moisturizers were significantly associated with HE. Interestingly, using sanitizers for >5 times daily was not a statistically significant risk factor. LIMITATIONS: Due to its internet-based nature, the response rate cannot be accurately calculated. In addition, the response bias and the small sample size limit the generalizability of the results and prevent drawing broad conclusions and accurate measurement of prevalence. CONCLUSION: HE prevalence increased during the pandemic in the Saudi general population. Frequent use of soaps and gloves, but not sanitizers, increased HE risk.

Hand Dermatitis: A Comprehensive Review with Special Emphasis on COVID-19 Pandemic.

Hand dermatitis (HD) is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting inflammatory condition that adversely affects the quality of life of the individual and gravely impacts the mental and socioeconomic well-being by causing professional hindrance and often leading to loss of wages. Despite being one of the most common skin conditions seen by dermatologists, it is often underreported. With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, there is an emphasis on hand hygiene-being a widely publicized and important preventive measure to control the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) virus. Emphasis on hand hygiene has led to a surge in HD, and the presence of HD, in turn, leads to compromised hand hygiene practices and this breach in the skin barrier contributes to another portal of entry of infective agents. We undertook a comprehensive English literature search across multiple databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane using keywords and MeSH items to obtain and review several relevant articles. Thus, this review focuses on various clinical, diagnostic as well as therapeutic aspects of this much prevalent and debilitating skin condition which deserves more attention especially during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic where the utmost emphasis is being given to handwashing leading to a vicious cycle of a surge in the cases of HD and compromised skin barrier causing increased susceptibility to the COVID-19 infection.