Occupational skin-protection products?a review

Abstract

Skin-protection products are used in the occupational field to protect the skin against hazards from the workplace. They are only to be used for non-toxic, non-cancerogenous and non-sensitizing low-grade irritants such as water, detergents, and cutting fluids and cannot replace other protective measures such as gloves. The recommendation of products mainly focuses on the physico-chemical properties of the irritant and the protective cream. More in vivo studies and intervention studies are needed to prove the efficacy of skin-protection products under real-life conditions.

Händehygiene in Einrichtungen des Gesundheitswesens

“…Zusätzlich können sie während der Arbeit bei individuellem Bedürfnis angewendet werden. Bei sichtbarer Verschmutzung der Hände sollte vor dem Auftragen von Hautschutz-oder -pflegepräparaten die Haut gereinigt werden, um dem Eindringen von auf der Haut verbliebenen Substanzen mit hautreizenden Eigenschaften entgegen zu wirken [410]. In Ergänzung dazu empfiehlt es sich, auch im Freizeitbereich Hautschutz und Hautpflege zu beachten.…”

Effectiveness of Barrier Creams against Irritant Contact Dermatitis

“…By contrast to Wang et al [64], some authors suggest that BCs should only be used for exposure to mild irritants (water, detergents, organic solvents or cutting oils) because they cannot neutralize a high dose of irritant [13,61]. Indeed, after saturation, the agents sequestered in the layer of cream continue to penetrate the skin [18,28] if the substances are not inactivated by BCs.…”

“…Barrier repair creams, also called ‘regeneration creams', ‘conditioning creams', ‘emollients' or ‘moisturizers' [10], are intended to enhance hydration by way of the hygroscopic action of humectants, such as amino acids, urea, glycerine, lactic acid (LA) or pyrrolidone carboxylic acid [12], and to restore the skin's natural barrier. They are especially recommended for use after work [13]. …”

Update on Hand Eczema with Special Focus on the Impact of Moisturisers

“…However, this term can be misleading, giving rise to a perception that these agents form a physical barrier to protect skin and are a substitute for wearing gloves or other protective equipment. In fact, evidence from animal studies indicates that they are very limited in forming a true barrier [ 28,29 ] .…”