大象传媒

The symptoms include redness, swelling, cracking, flaking, fissures and soreness. Usually dermatitis affects the skin of the hands when regularly using irritant or allergy producing substances or when hands are constantly wet or in water, but it can affect the skin on any part of the body.

Many chemicals which cause dermatitis in contact with the skin can also irritate your lungs and mucus membranes (eyes, nose). 

What Can Go Wrong?

• Some jobs can give rise to dermatitis because a substance that comes into contact with the skin causes irritation or a specific allergy.
• Sensitivity can build up gradually or can suddenly increase so that chemicals which didn't affect you in the past now have a strong effect.
• Jobs that are frequently associated with dermatitis include hairdressing, make-up and catering (because of the use of soaps detergents and frequently wet hands), and engineering and repair work (because of the use of irritant chemicals, lubricants and oils).

Legal/大象传媒 Requirements

• Exposure to skin irritants and sensitisers is covered under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. And these require that if there is a significant risk then it should be taken into account in your risk assessment. 

Control Measures

Prevention

• Check the instructions on packaging and on hazard data sheets.
• Use the gloves to protect your hands when handling irritant substances or chemicals.
• Some people are allergic to latex gloves - so vinyl gloves are usually preferable.
• Ensure good ventilation. 

Afterwards

• Use the correct technique to wash your hands.
• After washing make sure your hands are thoroughly dry (including the skin between the fingers).
• Use an after washing moisturising hand cream to keep the skin well hydrated if your hands get dirty regularly during the day and you have to wash them often.
• Make sure you regularly check the skin on your hands and take notice of anything unusual.
• If you have a persistent rash on your skin then you should seek advice at the earliest opportunity. If you think it could be work related ask your manager to refer you to Occupational Health.

Division Specific Issues

• No division specific issues.

FAQs/Did You Know?

• Work related dermatitis can usually be improved or prevented by carefully reducing harmful exposure at work.
• Early detection of skin symptoms and early treatment can help stop problems from becoming severe or prolonged.
• Soap, detergents, and water tend to collect under rings and make it difficult to achieve clean, dry skin. If your job involves frequent hand washing, it is advisable not to wear finger rings.
• If you have persistent skin symptoms and you think you have dermatitis then your manager can refer you to Occupational Health if required.