Factors related to skin health in hairdressing apprentices from two Croatian regions

Abstract

Background Hairdressing apprentices are at high risk for developing occupational contact dermatitis. Objectives The objective of this study was to analyse whether there are differences in skin health, skin protection and health‐related quality of life between apprentices from two Croatian regions (Zagreb and Dalmatia). Materials and methods Final‐year hairdressing apprentices from Zagreb (n = 101) and Dalmatia (n = 77) were enrolled in the study. Clinical examination of hands was performed by use of the Osnabrück Hand Eczema Severity Index. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured on forearm and hand. A history of self‐reported skin symptoms, work‐related exposure to skin hazards and health‐related quality of life were assessed with validated questionnaires. Results Apprentices from Zagreb reported having been engaged in practical work more days per month than Dalmatian apprentices (median 12 days vs 8 days, respectively, P < 0.001), and washing their hands >20 times per day more frequently (28% vs 10%, respectively, P = 0.004), and consequently more frequently having dry hands (37% vs 16%, respectively, P = 0.002), and significantly higher TEWL values on the hand and forearm, which was confirmed by the results obtained with multiple linear regression models. Conclusions A higher extent of exposure to skin hazards was related to poorer skin barrier function, which confirms the need for improvement of appropriate safety practices in hairdressing schools.

Characteristics of hand eczema in final‐year apprentice nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Signs of hand eczema were significantly associated with the age of participants and the duration of exposure to combined risk factors at work, confirming the importance of cumulative hazardous effects on the skin barrier. Similar findings were found in our previous study comparing hairdressing apprentices from two Croatian regions with different durations of practical training, indicating that a higher extent of exposure to skin hazards was related to poorer skin barrier function observed by transepidermal water loss 51 . In addition, skin lesions on the hands appeared more frequently with longer work experience in a sample of Croatian dental workers 20 …”

“…Similar findings were found in our previous study comparing hairdressing apprentices from two Croatian regions with different durations of practical training, indicating that a higher extent of exposure to skin hazards was related to poorer skin barrier function observed by transepidermal water loss. 51 In addition, skin lesions on the hands appeared more frequently with longer work experience in a sample of Croatian dental workers. 20 In conclusion, clinically observed and self-reported hand eczema was fairly common in final-year apprentice nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the prevalence of 49% and 46%, respectively.…”

Comparison of beautician and hairdressing apprentices with regard to skin health and skin barrier function

“…This study is an extension of our previous research, wherein the recruitment protocol was described in detail ( 11 , 12 , 15 ). Briefly, all final-year hairdressing and beautician apprentices of the Trade School for Personal Services in Zagreb, Croatia were invited to participate in the study via a presentation and flyers distributed at the school.…”

New causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis

“…The most common allergens were hair dyes, persulfates, preservatives (mainly isothiazolinones and formaldehyde related) and emerging acrylates thought to be related to nail activities in the salons. Franic et al [8] followed hairdressing apprentices over 3 years. Thirty percent became sensitized, 71% of these to hair dyes [paraphenylenediamine (PPD), toluene-2,5 diamine sulfate, ammonium persulfate and ammonium thioglycolate] with the strongest reactions to PPD.…”