Effectiveness of a Ceramide-Based Lamellar Emulsion on Skin Barrier Function in Surgical Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Kentaro Hara, Reika Tachibana, Ryosuke Kumashiro et al.
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In 30 seconds
This single-center randomized controlled trial assessed whether a ceramide-based lamellar emulsion improved hand skin barrier function in surgical nurses exposed to frequent perioperative hand hygiene. Thirty-five nurses were assigned to apply the emulsion twice daily for seven days or receive usual care. Transepidermal water loss decreased in the intervention group from day 1 and remained lower than in controls; hydration and dry skin scores also improved, while controls showed minimal changes. The abstract does not report numerical effect sizes for these outcomes.
Key findings
- Transepidermal water loss decreased from day 1 in the emulsion group and remained lower than in the usual-care group.
- Stratum corneum hydration increased and dry skin scores improved with the emulsion; controls had minimal changes.
Why it matters
Frequent hand hygiene can impair skin barrier function in surgical nurses. The trial suggests that a twice-daily ceramide-based emulsion may improve short-term measures of barrier function and dryness in this occupational setting, highlighting skin care as a relevant consideration alongside perioperative hand hygiene.
What to keep in mind
The trial was single-center, included 35 nurses, and assessed outcomes after only seven days; the abstract provides no numerical effect sizes.