Аңдатпа
Healthcare-associated infections remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and economic burden worldwide, with the contact route of transmission via contaminated hands of healthcare workers recognized as the principal mechanism of pathogen spread. Hand antisepsis is therefore considered a core component of infection prevention and control programs, and the effectiveness of antiseptic agents is determined not only by their antimicrobial spectrum but also by the kinetics of action, residual activity, dosage form, and tolerability during repeated use. This narrative review with elements of a systematic search summarizes current evidence on alcohol-based gel skin antiseptics for hand hygiene of healthcare workers in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections, with a particular focus on combined formulations containing cationic antiseptics, organic acids, and emollient components. Clinical and experimental studies, as well as international guidelines and standards, addressing antimicrobial and antiviral activity, prolonged effect, and dermatological tolerability of gel-based antiseptics are analyzed. The available data indicate that the combination of ethanol with quaternary ammonium compounds and organic acids provides synergistic bactericidal and virucidal activity against major healthcare-associated pathogens and contributes to residual antimicrobial effects. The gel dosage form increases the contact time of active substances with the skin and optimizes the kinetics of antiseptic action compared with liquid solutions. Evidence from dermatological and infection control literature supports the role of emollient and lipid-replenishing components in preserving the skin barrier, preventing dryness and irritation, and maintaining physiological skin pH, which are critical determinants of user acceptability and compliance with hand hygiene protocols. Particular attention is given to safflower oil as a source of linoleic acid and tocopherols, which contribute to restoration of the stratum corneum lipid matrix and reduction of transepidermal water loss, thereby potentially improving tolerability and adherence to hand hygiene practices. Keywords: healthcare-associated infections, hand hygiene, skin antisepsis, safflower oil, alcohol-based hand rubs, skin barrier, emollients, infection control.