Healthcare Workers’ Skin Health: New Data Shows Zero Reported Cases of Occupational Contact Dermatitis with Aqium Gel
A growing body of evidence suggests a solution to the pervasive problem of occupational skin disease among healthcare professionals, with a recent audit revealing zero reported cases of Occupational Contact Dermatitis (OCD) linked to the use of Aqium Gel since 2015.
Healthcare workers face a disproportionately high risk of developing Occupational Skin Disease (OSD) due to the rigorous hand hygiene protocols essential to their roles. Among these, Occupational Contact Dermatitis (OCD) is the most common, affecting an estimated 90 percent of all OSD cases. Frequent use of alcohol-based sanitizers, while crucial for infection control, can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and ultimately, OCD. Studies indicate that between 17 and 50 percent of nurses are impacted by this condition.
A Significant Finding in Australia
A retrospective audit conducted by Ego Pharmaceuticals examined data from over 7.6 million units of Aqium Gel distributed to healthcare facilities across Australia between 2015 and 2025. The findings, released recently, revealed a striking result: zero reported incidents of OCD among healthcare professionals using the product. “This record underscores the strong clinical acceptance of Aqium Gel,” a company release stated, “and its ability to support compliance with infection control protocols without compromising hand health.”
Hydration and Skin Integrity: The Key to Prevention
Aqium Gel is a Registered Medicine (AUST R 179333) hand sanitiser formulated with 70 percent w/w absolute ethanol for broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy. Crucially, it is also enriched with moisturisers designed to replenish lost hydration. A clinical study commissioned by Ego Pharmaceuticals demonstrated the product’s positive impact on skin health.
Researchers simulated typical hospital staff usage – approximately 20 applications daily over two weeks – and observed a 16 percent increase in skin hydration among participants. The study, involving 33 participants, also found no significant impact on skin pH and no adverse effects on overall hand health, as confirmed by both physicians and the individuals involved.
The Cost of Compromised Skin Health
The implications of OCD extend beyond individual discomfort. The condition can lead to impaired quality of life, decreased productivity, and even an inability to work for healthcare professionals. For healthcare organizations, this translates into increased medical costs, absenteeism, lost productivity, and potential workers’ compensation claims.
By maintaining skin barrier integrity through its moisturising system, Aqium Gel aims to support the ongoing hand health of nurses, carers, and clinicians, enabling them to continue providing essential patient care.
Key Benefits of Aqium Gel:
- Registered Medicine (AUST R 179333)
- Enriched with moisturisers to replenish skin hydration
- Clinically proven to increase skin hydration by 16% in frequent-use settings
- Quick drying for convenience in clinical environments
- 70% w/w absolute ethanol for proven antibacterial efficacy
- No major impact on skin pH, even with extended use
- Zero reported incidence of OCD among health care professionals since 2015
For tailored product information or to download the White Paper, click here. A dedicated portal provides healthcare professionals working in hospitals and aged care with specific product information relevant to their areas of practice. The White Paper is also available for download here.
