Skin disorders

The problem

Skin disorders affecting the hands account for a third of all cases of professional illness resulting in time off work. The various forms of hand eczema are the most frequent culprits, and are liable to occur in every kind of profession. Painters, coachbuilders, metal workers and carpenters share this potential problem with bakers, dentists, doctors and nurses.

Why? Because they work in a technical and chemical environment. Their hands are essential tools of the trade, and are in almost constant contact with dangerous, irritant or allergenic substances.
Statistical research carried out by the CNA (the French Caisse Nationale d'Assurance en Cas d'Accidents) shows that the materials most frequently responsible for skin disorders are: mineral oils (31.41%), cement (26.5%), epoxy resins (13.4%), nickel (11.1%), alcaline substances (notably soaps)(10.5%), and organic halogen compounds (7,1%).

How can we protect ourselves?

A veritable arsenal of products is available, ranging from gloves to vaseline-based creams. However, as we have already mentioned, gloves can themselves be a cause of eczema, especially when the person wearing them perspires heavily. The resulting humidity shock only increases the risk of more serious skin disorders.

Furthermore, tolerance to protective creams by users in a professional environment is extremely limited. They generally have difficulty in accepting the greasy nature of these products, which need to penetrate the horny layer of the epidermis to become effective. This absorption can take between twenty and thirty minutes. Finally, protective creams leave greasy marks when they come into contact with objects and surfaces, a factor which makes them incompatible with a large number of occupations.

Protection is essential when handling the following key allergens: metals such as nickel, cobalt and chrome, disinfectants such as alcohol, aldehydes and phenols, cosmetic products such as dyes, cold permanents and bleaching agents, industrial oils, organic solvents, colourings, plastics and certain products used in agriculture, such as pesticides.