Did you know that a 2022 published study by Alexandra Beine reported that 50% of veterinarians and veterinarian assistants in Germany suffered from hand eczema?1
Dry, itchy skin may be the first sign of underlying occupational skin disease, including hand eczema. Contact dermatitis accounts for 90-95% of all occupational skin disease.2
Both Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD) and Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) are preventable. Two simple actions can be initiated in preventing complications from occupational skin dermatitis:
- Report it!
- Do not delay action in consulting a dermatologist or an allergist to diagnose the skin condition.
You have dry skin, and it is getting worse. There is evidence that occupational dermatitis is present amongst your co-workers. You want to find ways to champion an occupational skin dermatitis prevention program.
Ask yourself:
- Is there a hand hygiene protocol in my veterinarian practice? If so, what is it?
- How long has the skin problem been going on?
- Are your colleagues also suffering from skin dermatosis?
- Does your hand sanitizer contain an emollient?
- Is the problem related to gloves? If so:
- What type of gloves is your clinic using?
- What is the frequency of use?
- What is the glove wear time?
Review the AnsellCARES Clinical Summary:
SKIN SYMPTOMS IN VETERINARY ASSISTANT STAFF AND VETERINARIANS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Join Dr. Marie-Claude Houle, MD, Dermatologist as she presents the point of view of a dermatologist concerning the management of occupational contact dermatitis in healthcare workers. Risk factors for the development of this condition will be reviewed as well as tips for its prevention and early detection. Investigations of contact dermatitis will be discussed, especially in the context of hand dermatitis in the healthcare setting. View the ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: A Dermatologist's View on Managing Healthcare Worker Occupational Dermatitis now!
References:
1. Beine A., Gina M., Hoffmeyer F., et al. Skin symptoms in veterinary assistant staff and veterinarians: A cross-sectional study, Contact dermatitis 2022,87 :247-57.
2. Skin Exposures and Effects | NIOSH | CDC. www.cdc.gov. Published February 21, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/.