ABSTRACT
Occupational skin disorders, in particular inflammations, dryness and erythema, in 80% of cases affect the skin of hands. The most frequent diagnosis, in over 90% of cases of occupational skin diseases, points to an irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Our aim was to study the prevalence of self-reported skin symptoms on hands and forearms in different populations. The study was conducted on 581 healthcare workers, 61 hair stylists, 149 beauticians, 90 food services workers, 90 cleaners, 181 metal factory workers and 69 textile workers. Healthcare workers had greatest exposure. Eighty-six percent of dentists, 67% of midwives, 51% of nurses and 41% of physicians reported skin disorders. Problems with latex gloves were declared by 30% of healthcare workers. Thirty-four percent of food services workers, 24% of textile workers, 30% of metal factory workers, 21% of hair stylists and beauticians, and 64% of cleaners reported skin manifestations during the time of employment, which they thought could be work-related.
Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Occupational/epidemiology , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Occupations/statistics & numerical data , Dermatitis, Occupational/etiology , Humans , Poland/epidemiology , PrevalenceABSTRACT
A few aspects of skin protection against ultraviolet (UV) light and methods of assessing efficacy of UV-protecting cream or gels have been discussed. UV-protection in cream and gels is not only a strategy of the cosmetic industry but a necessity because of human occupational activity and daily habits.
