METHODS
Study Population
Nurses on three wards (a medical-surgical intensive
care unit [ICU], a cardiothoracic ICU and its accompanying
stepdown unit, and a standard ward where many patients
have hematologic malignancies) were asked to participate
in the trial. Only those nurses who were expected to work
a minimum of 30 hours per week and to be present
throughout the study period were included. Nurses’ participation
was voluntary. Those with a history of severe atopic
dermatitis or allergy to any component of the products
used in the trial were excluded. Those with normal skin or
mild or moderate dermatitis were included.