Preventive measures of skin diseases at work

In the first place, exposure should be controlled or avoided by substituting hazardous substances whenever possible. Using gloves is also important when it comes to avoiding skin exposure.

Gloves

There is a wide range of glove types to choose from. Selection of glove type and material must be based on the type of exposure and nature of the hazard.

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Different kinds of gloves are designed to give protection against different hazards:

• Chemical (toxic, irritating)
• Physical (rough or sharp-edged objects, high/low temperature)
• Biological (infectious material)
• Combinations of hazards

No single material will protect against all chemicals

Careful risk assessment is important

When handling organic solvents, leather gloves will not protect the skin against exposure. Information about suitable glove material can be found in the product’s safety data sheet (SDS).
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These gloves might be suitable for the task, but it is impossible to decide from a photo because glove colours and appearances vary from one glove manufacturer to another. Always read the glove manufacturer’s declaration to decide which gloves are suitable.
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Some basic skincare principles at the workplace

• Remove any rings
• When exposed to the hazards of a specific job, use the appropriate type of gloves
• Use thin cotton gloves underneath protective gloves
• Use lukewarm water for washing the hands
• Substitute abrasive or irritating cleansers with milder, non-perfumed soaps
• Use emollient hand creams after each hand washing and after repeated exposure to irritants, to maintain the natural barrier of the skin
• Protect hands at home

Management of allergic and irritant contact eczema

It is generally accepted that workers who have allergic contact eczema should avoid persistent exposure to the causal agent in order to prevent eczema from worsening. Even very low exposure to the sensitizing agent can result in a severe eczema outbreak. Allergic contact eczema is a lifelong condition.

For irritant contact eczema, in contrast, a reduction of exposure to irritating agents as well as to the amount of wet work might lead to improvement or even resolution of eczema.

If you’d like to learn more about occupational health in developing countries, check out the full online course from The University of Bergen, below.