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Hand Eczema and Your Workplace
 
 

Hand Eczema and Your Workplace

Hand eczema is a common condition that affects up to 1 in 10 women and about 1 in 20 men and accounts for up to 20% of all dermatitis that affects the hands. It is often considered to be an occupational disease as it affects a highly disproportionate amount of workers who are work with water or chemical irritants.

High-risk occupations include housekeepers, hairdressers, healthcare workers, bricklayers, and workers in the metallurgic or mechanic industry, which account for over half of all cases of hand dermatitis. Other occupations such as janitors, florists, bartenders, cooks, and farmers who work with water are also more prone to develop hand dermatitis due to their occupation.

Risk factors

  • Repeated and prolonged exposure to irritants such as chemicals, solvents, or dirt.
  • Water is the most common irritant however, and many occupations require frequent hand washing or other use of water.
  • Low humidity and colder temperatures can drain the skin of moisture very quickly. A change in environment or the season may cause the condition to improve or worsen.
  • Sweat during the summer can also act as an irritant.
  • Stress plays a role in regulating the immune system, and may worsen all types of eczema, including hand eczema.
  • A family history of atopic diseases-primarily atopic dermatitis, hay fever, and asthma-can increase the risk of developing hand dermatitis.

Most hand eczema patients already have a good idea of the causes of their condition. In many cases, the cause can be traced to an irritant, which is quite common, such as water or detergent. Generally, the symptoms such as sensitivity, pain, itch, and rashes that occur as a result of irritant contact dermatitis are gradual and occur over time as exposure accumulates.

The difficulty is that these types irritant contact dermatitis are often a challenge to avoid as they are necessary daily routines at work. On the other hand, if the cause is allergic, the causes may not be easily identifiable. If the hand dermatitis developed suddenly, you may have reason to suspect an allergic cause.

If you suspect allergic contact dermatitis, you may need to get an allergist to conduct patch testing to identify the cause.

Prevention and Behavioral Changes

Prevention is the ideal solution in most cases of occupational hand dermatitis. The challenge is that it is not always practical. For example, frequent hand washing is critically important for a nurse, as hygiene is a must for that occupation.

Sometimes, there aren't any good solutions available and compromises may have to be made, but more often, there are some behavioral changes that can vastly improve the situation.

  • Minimize wet-work whenever possible. It is one of the most common causes of hand dermatitis. While complete avoidance isn't always practical, wearing gloves whenever possible can make a significant difference.
  • When hand washing, try to avoid harsh soaps. Hard milled soaps or mild cleansers are often better solutions if you have hand dermatitis.
  • Fruits and vegetables can erode away at the skin's barrier function. Wear gloves and minimize direct contact with produce whenever practical.
  • Moisturize often and regularly. As soon as the work day ends, you should be moisturizing your hands, and again, before sleeping. This routine should help most mild cases of hand dermatitis.
  • Try to manage stress as best as possible. Stress levels have a profound effect on immune function, and are often a factor in skin conditions. While nobody enjoys stress, this means that you may need to reconsider priorities and live your life in a way that puts greater emphasis on living stress free.

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