Why is it important for nurses to avoid chapping their hands?

Maintaining optimal skin integrity is crucial for hygiene practices, particularly in the nursing profession where hand hygiene is a primary means of infection control. When skin is chapped or damaged, it becomes more susceptible to microabrasions, which can serve as entry points for pathogens. This disruption in skin integrity can compromise the effectiveness of hand hygiene measures, such as washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.

Additionally, healthy skin is essential for creating an effective barrier against germs. Intact skin can prevent germs from entering the body and spreading infections, both to the healthcare provider and to patients. Therefore, by avoiding chapping and maintaining healthy skin, nurses can enhance their ability to perform effective hand hygiene and reduce the risk of infection transmission in clinical environments.