Last update:

   18-Feb-2025
 

Arch Hellen Med, 42(2), March-April 2025, 213-217

ORIGINAL PAPER

The effect of alcohol antiseptic solutions on the epidermal pH and the nail plate of high school students

K. Trimmi,1 Α. Vatopoulos,1 T. Goutsoulas,2 D. Kikidakis,3 K. Merakou1
1Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens,
2Private Dermatology Practice, Kyparissia, Messinia,
3First Department of Urology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

OBJECTIVE The study of the effect of alcoholic antiseptic solutions on the skin pH and the thickness of the nail layer in the hands of high school students, from the beginning of the restriction measures (quarantine) imposed in Greece on 23.3.2020 onwards.

METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted and a digital pH measuring instrument (caliper) was used as a means of data collection, and an analog caliper was used to measure nail thickness.

RESULTS The research was carried out on a sample of 30 students, 8 men (26.7%) and 22 women (73.3%), of whom 3.3% were 16 years old, 10% were 17 years old and 86,7% were 15 years old. Regarding the measurements of the pH of the palmar surface of the right hand at the beginning and at the end of the first day of the research, as well as in the follow-ups on the 30th and 60th day, it emerged that there was no effect from the use of antiseptic solution. A similar result was obtained for the onyx thickness of the right thumb.

CONCLUSIONS From the results of the research it emerged that there is no effect of the use of antiseptic solution on the pH of the hands and the thickness of the nails of the students. Therefore, antiseptics can be used with safety by children.

Key words: Alcoholic sterilizing solutions, Hand hygiene, pH, SARS-CoV-2, Students.


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