Skin Care at Work
At work, our skin is exposed to a variety of substances and environments which can cause
irritation. The skin is a complex structure and, as well as a range of essential functions, it is
the body’s first line of defence against physical, chemical and microbiological hazards.
There is a delicate balance to be maintained in cleansing and protecting the skin while
preventing damage such as dermatitis. Prolonged exposure to some substances, even hot
water, can pose a challenge to the skin’s protective function.
What causes dermatitis?
Dermatitis which is work related can be caused by exposure to chemical agents and ‘wet
work’. ‘Wet work’ means having hands repeatedly wet for long periods during the working day.
Other agents causing work related dermatitis can be biological (e.g. plants or bacteria),
physical (e.g. vibration and or radiation) and mechanical (e.g. abrasion). Dermatitis accounts
for about 80% of work – related skin disease, with hands being most at risk. However, other
parts of the body can also be affected.
There are three main types of dermatitis:
►
Irritant contact dermatitis
Caused by things that dry out or damage the skin, for example, detergents, solvents,
oils and prolonged or frequent contact with water.
►
Allergic contact dermatitis:
Caused when someone becomes allergic to something that comes into contact with
their skin. The allergic reaction can manifest hours or days after contact. Common
causes include the chemicals in cement, hair products, epoxy resins and some foods.
►
Contact urticaria
Urticaria is a different kind of allergy, and occurs within minutes of the material
touching the skin. Substances like plants, foods and natural rubber latex gloves can
cause this type of reaction.
What does dermatitis look like?
The signs and symptoms of the different types of dermatitis are similar. Dry, red and itchy
skin is generally the first sign. This can be followed by swelling, flaking, blistering, cracking
and pain.
Sometimes the signs are immediately visible when there has been contact with the substance.
Sometimes there is no apparent effect; however, each contact may cause minute amounts of
‘invisible’ damage to the skin that can build up until more serious signs are seen.
S/HR/Occupational Health/Health Information/Skin Care at Work
Page 1 of 3
Occupations and workplaces with higher risks of skin problems
These include healthcare workers, hairdressers, beauticians, printers, workers in cleaning,
catering and construction, workers using metalworking fluids. However, skin problems can
occur in any workplace.
Avoiding or preventing dermatitis at work
Avoid contact with materials likely to cause dermatitis
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
Substitute a more hazardous material with a safer alternative (this is the primary
means of control)
Automate the process
Enclose as much of the process as possible
Use mechanical handling
Use equipment for handling
Don’t use hands as tools
Work at a safe distance
Protect the skin (especially important if it is not possible to totally avoid contact due to the
type of process)
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
Wash any contamination off the skin promptly
Rinse any soap residue thoroughly off the skin after washing
Dry the skin fully after washing
Apply an emollient (moisturising) cream after washing
Use appropriate protective clothing / gloves (see your departmental risk assessments
for appropriate PPE)
Make sure that the gloves are made of suitable material for the job and that they are
the right size
Use and store gloves correctly
Check that gloves are in good condition and replace as necessary (gloves with holes in
are useless for skin protection and may increase skin contact with a substance)
Always wash hands before going to the toilet (and after) and before eating
Always wash hands before and after using protective gloves
Regularly check for early signs of skin irritation or damage
►
►
►
Regular skin checks can spot the early signs of dermatitis
Identifying the condition at an early stage can prevent more serious skin irritation from
developing
Treatment can start early
S/HR/Occupational Health/Health Information/Skin Care at Work
Page 2 of 3
►
Checks can also indicate whether the preventative measures are sufficiently effective
Some substances or environmental conditions which can cause skin damage.
Physical / environmental
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
Direct or indirect heat can alter the make up of skin cells altering the nature and amount
of natural fats on the surface
Cold can reduce the circulation to the periphery and can result in dry, damaged skin
Sun UVA and UVB rays can burn the skin
Wind can also increase and enhance the effects of cold and UV light
Sharp items can break the skin and allow harmful substances to enter the deeper layers
Excessive sweating can irritate the skin and make it more permeable
Abrasive materials can rub away the outer surface of the skin exposing the more delicate
dermal layer
Dirt and grime can aggravate the skin by blocking pores and reducing the ability to sweat
Some plants and flowers can cause skin damage
Some foods can cause skin irritation
Chemical
Chemicals can enter the body by permeation (movement through the skin without causing
visible damage) or through damaged skin – cuts, abrasions etc. An individual reaction to
chemicals varies especially if there are pre existing allergies. Broken skin conditions such
as dermatitis or eczema may increase chemical absorption on exposure. Groups of
chemicals to be aware of are:
►
►
►
►
Acids and alkalis which can damage the skin by burning it. Some toxic chemicals
(such as phenol) can be absorbed through the skin
Solvents and mineral oils which breakdown the lipid structure increasing the
permeability of the skin
Proprietary cleaning agents and detergents (e.g. dish and hand washing liquids) can
cause skin irritation
Any substance that is labelled as hazardous
How do I recognise Hazardous substances?
R43
Corrosive
Irritant
Skin Sensitiser
Suppliers are required by law to identify the hazards of the chemicals and products they
provide and this information must be available to the people they supply.
The warning signs and ‘R’ Phrases on the container and the safety data sheet will help you to
identify chemicals which cause harm to the skin.
►
►
►
►
For further information on symbols and R Phrases refer to: www.hse.gov/chip/phrases.htm
See your departmental COSHH Assessments for detailed information on the nature of the
chemicals / substances in your department.
Also H&S information on PPE, Body Fluids, COSHH Assessment on the Staff Information Point
See also HSE short guidance and hand washing information.
S/HR/Occupational Health/Health Information/Skin Care at Work
Page 3 of 3