Preventive measures and mangement of work-related skin diseases

Preventing work-related skin diseases involves using personal protective equipment like gloves, practicing safe handling of chemicals and hazardous materials through proper training, and maintaining good hand hygiene by regularly washing and moisturizing hands.

Gloves

There is a wide range of glove types to choose from, and the selection must be based on the type of exposure and the 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

When handling organic solvents, leather gloves will not protect the skin from exposure. Information about suitable glove materials 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 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 skin care 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 with allergic contact eczema should avoid persistent exposure to the causal agent to prevent the 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.

In contrast, for irritant contact eczema, reducing exposure to irritating agents and minimizing wet work might lead to improvement or even resolution of the eczema.