[Barrier creams in prevention of hand dermatoses]. / Stosowanie preparatów barierowych w profilaktyce dermatoz rak.

Contact dermatitis is a common skin disease in the workplace and at home. Due to the high incidence of skin diseases the European Union countries have taken the activity to reduce or minimize this problem by the promotion of skin protection program, based on the application of skin protection measures - barrier creams and moisturizers. Definitions, reasons, mechanism of action and duration, application of methods, as well as the efficacy of using skin protection products in different workplaces are extensively reviewed in this article. Correctly matched barrier preparations protect against harmful factors and irritants, facilitating at the same time hand washing at the end of the working day, and together with the use of suitable non-irritating detergents and skin care products are important elements contributing to the prevention of occupational skin diseases. They shouldn't be used as a primary protection against high-risk substances. Numerous creams declared as the skin protection measures are on the market, so a careful selection of appropriate effective skin protecting barrier cream for the specific situations/environments is recommended.

[Prevention of hand dermatoses in small catering enterprises]. / Profilaktyka dermatoz rak w malych zakladach gastronomicznych.

BACKGROUND: Work in catering and food processing is mostly performed by hands. Mechanical, thermal and chemical agents, as well as damp working conditions and frequent hand washing aggravate skin irritation. The aim of the study was to test the efficacy of hydrophobic skin protection measure at these workplaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recommended the prevention of contact skin disorders by using hydrophobic skin protection measure. The study was conducted in a group of 20 food service sector workers, They were interviewed about skin problems and skin protection measures. Tolb assess the effect of the protective preparation on the skin dermatological test procedures, corneometry and sebumetry, were applied, as well as the level of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured. The same survey was performed in the control group composed of 10 workers who used and 10 who did not use barrier preparation. RESULTS: The respondents declared dryness, roughness, peeling, burning, redness, erythema of the skin. All who had applied barrier cream observed a significant improvement of the skin hydration increased by about 30%, and lubrication of the skin - by 11 times on average. Also the level of TEWL decreased by about 25%. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement of skin conditions and reduction of skin disorders were observed confirming the effectiveness of the protection of the skin from exposure to harmful factors. Knowledge about prevention of skin diseases should be promoted among employees of catering enterprises.

A survey of work-related skin diseases in different occupations in Poland.

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.