Occupational hand eczema

Abstract

Occupational contact dermatitis is a common skin disorder that may be irritant or allergic in origin. High prevalences of occupational contact dermatitis are found in trades such as metalworking and construction. Doctors and nurses are also susceptible because of frequent hand washing and the wearing of rubber gloves. Clinical practice suggests that emollients are helpful in both the treatment and prophylaxis of hand dermatitis. The conflicting results of several recent studies attempting to provide scientific support for such effects are reviewed. Three major practical problems over the use of emollients in the workplace are identified. It is concluded that clinical experience suggesting a role for emollients in the treatment and prophylaxis of occupational hand eczema remains persuasive, though it still requires to be backed up more rigorously with scientific evidence.

Key Words:

• Occupational contact dermatitis
• Emollients
• Prophylaxis