Effectiveness of a Ceramide‐Based Lamellar Emulsion on Skin Barrier Function in Surgical Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Surgical nurses frequently perform perioperative hand hygiene, predisposing them to hand dryness and skin barrier impairment. This single-center randomized controlled trial evaluated a ceramide-based lamellar emulsion for improving hand skin barrier function among surgical nurses. Thirty-five nurses were assigned to an intervention group (n = 18) applying the emulsion twice daily for seven days or a control group (n = 17) receiving usual care. Transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, skin surface pH, and dry skin scores were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Transepidermal water loss significantly decreased in the intervention group from day 1 and remained lower than in the control group. Hydration increased and dry skin scores improved in the intervention group, whereas minimal changes occurred in the control group. Short-term use of the emulsion improved barrier function and may help reduce occupational skin damage in perioperative nurses. These findings support integrating moisturizing protocols into perioperative hand hygiene.