Skin Care
Hand dermatitis and the health care worker - a serious and underestimated problem
(NC)-Hand dermatitis is a significant cause of occupational illness in North America. Although it is often dismissed as non-serious, it does cause many workers to change their work methods or even their occupations. In a recent survey of health care workers, dermatitis was reported in up to 70% of workers with a frequency of hand washing of over 35 times per shift.
The Cause
Health care workers in an effort to decrease the spread of infection to patients and themselves, must wash their hands frequently. Because dermatitis disrupts the protective barrier provided by the skin, there is an increased risk of contracting diseases. It becomes a serious health hazard when workers must take leaves of absence to visit physicians or miss work because of dermatitis.
Steps to Help Stop and Prevent Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis from hand washing can be a serious problem. However, taking measures to protect your skin can help stop and even prevent frequent hand washing from stripping your natural oils. By using a cream like Prevex, which contains a highly refined petrolatum, the moisture is sealed in and the cream also coats the hand like an invisible glove. In addition, hands don't feel sticky or greasy and this cream does not attract dirt and dust. One small application of the hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free cream lasts up to 6 hand washings.
- News Canada
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