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Posted By Steven
We have regular occupational health checks and they identified Occupational Dermatitis on some of our workers. This is not a recent problem by the way.
We have staff that have dryness and cracking of skin on their hands when handling cardboard boxes/pulped card for prolonged periods. There are no chemical substances involved, which is what a lot of reports and guidance suggest as a contribution to dermatitis. We use protective hand creams, gloves and after work creams but still have problems with dermatitis. The materials we use have not changed either so at the moment banging my head against a brick wall to identify the issue.
Could the type of gloves contribute to the drying of the skin? We use nylon knitted type with PVC dots.
Many thanks in advance for your input.
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Posted By Fred Pratley
Hi,
Always difficult, but yes for some reason handling card does lead to dry skin.
I found much of the problem is often related to the type of soap being used - particularly if it is the yellow gel type (& usually the cheapest you can get your hands on). We changed ours from the typical engineering gel to the lotion type soap, and also advised use of simple aqueous cream at home. This is dirt cheap (you have to ask for it at the chemist) as they only put out E45 type cream. It a quick and simple moisturiser and in small amounts can be used to wash hands.
Also you can ask the makers of the soaps you use - I found Deb very helpful in this respect and they sent in a skin specialist (for Free) to help out.
Currently we have no problems.
Regards Fred
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Posted By Chris Pope I suggest you tril a brilliant barrier cream called dermashield marketed by Benchmark industries - there is nothing anywhere like it for durability and protection - if you want they will conduct a free trial. http://www.dermashield.co.uk/If after that you want specialist input contact Enviroderm and ask for Dr Chris Packham - he's devoted to the subject and I bet he has already solved this problem somewhere.http://www.enviroderm.co.uk/
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Posted By Steve
Steven,
I have to aggree with what Chris said about try using Dermashield.
I had been struggling for months trying to find a barrier cream and moisturiser that would not leave a greasy residue on our products and give the protection required.
We have trialed it now for six months and it is the best product I have come across so far.
Steve
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Posted By Michael Nixon Try contacting Dr Bob Rajan in the HSE/EMAS. He is an expert on this subject and is currently working with Safety Groups UK to launch an awareness programme and toolkit to prevent dermatitis. His contact details are bob.rajan@hse.gsi.gov.uk or tel 0151 951 3318. I am sure he would be delighted to advise
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Posted By Chris Packham
Firstly, barrier creams are not a barrier. If you consult the HSE's guidance on preventing skin problems they state that they should not be used as primary protection as there is no evidence that they work. I have a mass of studies on these products and they all indicate that they should not be used as "protection". There are far too many reasons for this to explain on the forum, but if anyone is intereted contact me direct (Chris Packham - 01386 832 311).
Secondly, with cardboard, this is a common problem. It is generally the friction from handling that causes the dermatitis. This plus the drying effect of the absorbent cardboard removing the surface hydrolipidic film from the skin causes moisture loss with the resultant breakdown of the stratum corneum as a barrier.
The creams mentioned may have worked because they are acting as emollients, i.e. helping the skin to retain its natural moisture level. However, an ordinary emollient/moisturise will generally work just as well. Incidentally, I do not recommend using these creams underneath occlusive gloves. Under such conditions the preservatives can present a risk of allergic reactions.
There are some special gloves that I have found can help is this type of situation. These are a very fine synthetic material with a PU coating on the finger tips. This gives the grip and dexterity whilst providing the appropriate protection to the skin.
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