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Background: The human skin, with a pH of 4 to 6, serves as a barrier against external pathogens. Alkaline handwash products (HWPs) can compromise this barrier and are widely used following the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to determine the pH of a sample of HWPs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and assess the effect of environmental factors on their pH. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study carried out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study involved a convenience sample of 33 liquid soaps, soap bars, and synthetic detergents (Syndets) from various brands. The pH of the handwash products was measured using laboratory-validated techniques. Data analysis was conducted using RStudio 2022 software. Results: Of the HWPs, 16 (48.5%) had a highly alkaline pH (≥10), while 14 (42.4%) had an acidic pH (4.0-6.9). Most liquid soaps were acidic (84.6%), with a mean pH of 5.9, whereas soap bars had a mean pH of 10.3. Syndets had a mean pH of 6.0. Conclusions: On average, liquid soaps and syndets offered a more physiological pH than soap bars. Liquid soaps were more affordable than synthetic detergents, making them a better value option among the three types of HWPs. Environmental factors such as exposure to hot weather did not have a significant impact on HWPs.
ABSTRACT
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral illness that predominantly affects infants and children, causing blisters and sores on the hands, feet, and mouth. Recurrence is rare, but a case in a six-year-old girl in Saudi Arabia was reported. A six-year-old girl presented with a rash on her palms and soles, which was preceded by a mild sore throat and low-grade fever. She had been in contact with her two-year-old sister, who had similar symptoms but a different rash pattern. During clinical examination, multiple erythematous deep-seated vesicles and papules were noted on the patient's palms and soles, with no involvement of mucous membranes or nails. The diagnosis of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) was made based on the characteristic clinical presentation, and the rash resolved within seven days without treatment or complications. The patient had experienced a similar presentation six months ago, which was also diagnosed as HFMD, and the rash had resolved spontaneously within one week. In her second episode, the rash was less severe, with milder prodromal symptoms. In both episodes, the lesions were asymptomatic and had no mucosal involvement. The patient had experienced onychomadesis after her first episode, but no nail abnormalities were seen after her second episode. Although HFMD is rare to recur in children, outbreaks can lead to another episode. HFMD prevalence is underestimated in Saudi Arabia due to missed mild cases. Pediatricians and dermatologists should be aware of HFMD incidence and its complications, as early detection is vital in preventing outbreaks and transmission.
ABSTRACT
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50688.].
ABSTRACT
Objectives The objective of the study is to explore the correlation between handedness and footedness and various demographic factors, including sex, age, faith, ethnicity, and perceived social pressures on limb use, among Muslims and non-Muslims. Methods This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia from September 2020 to February 2021. This research involved healthy community members aged 18 and above. An electronic survey was administered to collect demographic information on age, sex, faith, ethnicity, and the perceived degree of social pressure favoring the use of the right hand. The Waterloo handedness questionnaire (WHQ-Ar) and Waterloo footedness questionnaire (WFQ-Ar) were utilized for the assessments. Results A total of 728 respondents completed the survey. The mean (SD) age was 34.54 (11.53). Among them, 454 (62.4%) were ethnically Arab, and 507 (69.64%) identified as Muslims. The mean (SD) WHQ-Ar and WFQ-Ar scores were 42 (31.6) and 10.51 (8.1), respectively, with higher scores indicating "right" preference. Older age was associated with higher scores (p = 0.01) and men with lower handedness scores (p = 0.003). Participants who did not perceive social pressure had significantly lower scores (p < 0.001). Footedness was associated with slightly lower scores in Muslims (p = 0.001). Conclusion The degree of pressure perceived to use a particular hand has a major influence on handedness scores in Muslims and non-Muslims alike; this was true even when comparing populations with different levels of permissiveness to specific hand use due to varying religious or cultural backgrounds. Social pressure, regardless of routine religious practices, is more likely to influence handedness scores. Age and sex influence the scores similar to international reports, and footedness appears less likely to fall under the influence of cultural pressures.