With the COVID-19 pandemic, hydroalcoholic gel is making a comeback. Whether scented, colorful, ultra basic or even with essential oils, it is present in all pockets. But would it be safe for our skin? 

Accessories now essential in everyday life, hydroalcoholic gels make it possible to fight against the spread of COVID-19. And yet, they sometimes cause allergies. Even if they are rather rare, they can be particularly disabling.

“In the case of an allergy to one of the components of the hydroalcoholic gel, we most often observe:

• eczema,
• red and inflamed patches that can sometimes ooze ”explains Edouard Sève, allergist.

In some cases, the hydroalcoholic gel can cause slight burns when the skin is exposed to the sun. These allergies are however infrequent. 

Atopic skin, that is, sensitive to allergies, is more vulnerable to inflammatory reactions. “Perfumes and other allergenic products penetrate the skin more easily when it is damaged. People with atopic skin must therefore be more vigilant ”. 

Also be careful not to get hydroalcoholic gel in the eyes. It can cause eye damage, especially in children, at the level of the dispensers.

For the allergist, “people are not allergic to hydroalcoholic gel as such, but rather to the various added components such as essential oils, dyes, perfumes or any other product”.

Some of these components are also present in cosmetic products such as creams, make-up or shampoos. If you have ever had allergic reactions to some of these substances, you can go to the allergist for allergic tests.

There is no specific treatment. “You have to try to take a gel that does not contain perfume or essential oil and stop contact with the product that triggered the reaction. To repair damaged skin, I recommend applying a moisturizer or a corticosteroid cream if the eczema is severe ”adds Edouard Sève.

For particularly damaged hands, the Eczema foundation recommends applying the topical corticosteroids prescribed by the doctor / dermatologist on red patches (once a day, rather in the evening). On dry areas, repair the skin barrier through the application of moisturizers several times a day if necessary. And if necessary, apply barrier cream sticks, easy to use and transport and very effective on cracks ”.

These allergies are mild and usually get better over time. As the allergist explains, “these reactions can be disabling for people who wash their hands a lot, such as caregivers. Each wash will revive the inflammation and the wound will take time to heal ”.

It is also advisable to wash your hands more regularly with soap and water, which are not irritating. If you can not do without hydroalcoholic gel, choose one as simple as possible. It is composed of alcohol or ethanol, hydrogen peroxide and glycerol, to give it a gel texture, which hydrates the skin and covers it with a protective film.

Here are some tips to limit the risk of allergy to the components of hydroalcoholic gels. 

• Avoid hydroalcoholic gels containing perfumes, essential oils, dyes which can cause allergic reactions;
• Do not put on gloves immediately after applying the gel, this increases its irritating power;
• Follow the directions on the bottle to add the right amount. These are products that are effective in small doses;
• Avoid putting on gel if you have damaged skin or suffer from skin disease;
• Wash your hands as much as possible with soap, which is less irritating and allergenic than hydroalcoholic gel. Prefer neutral soaps without added products such as Marseille soap or Aleppo soap;
• Do not expose yourself to the sun after putting on the gel, at the risk of sunburn;
• Use the gel on dry skin.

If your hands do not heal, even after applying moisturizer and washing with soap, you can consult your doctor who can refer you to an allergist or dermatologist. They will be able to check that you do not have a skin pathology or an allergy.

To optimize the effectiveness of the hydroalcoholic gel and slow down the transmission of COVID-19, it is essential to apply it well at least 3 to 4 times a day. It is therefore necessary to put a small amount of product in the hand, rub the back of the hands, the palms, the wrists, the nails, the fingers, without forgetting the thumb. Please note, the gels are exclusively designed for the hands, so avoid contact with the eyes or any other mucous membrane.