Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

In this study, we found a higher 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema among Swedish healthcare workers than reported in the general population. Hand washing with soap and use of disposable gloves were associated with the occurrence of self-reported hand eczema in a dose-dependent way. Use of hand disinfectant was not associated with self-reported hand eczema.

Hand eczema and occupational contact allergies in healthcare workers with a focus on rubber additives

“…Respondents to a questionnaire study on HE distributed to 28 762 hospital employees in southern Sweden were invited to participate. Study participants were selected by random sampling (by use of the Microsoft Excel random function) among those expressing an interest.…”

“…Hand eczema (HE) is reported in 20% of healthcare workers (HCWs), often in terms of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) . Besides a high level of exposure to wet work healthcare work involves exposure to potential contact allergens . Occupational exposure has changed in recent years, owing to an increased emphasis on hand hygiene procedures, including increased exposure to disposable non‐sterile nitrile gloves .…”

“…Besides a high level of exposure to wet work healthcare work involves exposure to potential contact allergens . Occupational exposure has changed in recent years, owing to an increased emphasis on hand hygiene procedures, including increased exposure to disposable non‐sterile nitrile gloves . Glove‐related rubber allergens, preservatives and fragrances are the most commonly reported contact allergens causing occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) in HCWs .…”

“…We have previously reported HE prevalence and occupational exposure to soaps, alcoholic disinfectants, gloves and hand moisturizers in a questionnaire study on >9000 nurses, assistant nurses, and physicians …”

Wet work and healthcare workers: use of hand disinfectants not associated with self-reported eczema

“…In this issue of the BJD , Hamnerius et al . report the findings from a large cross‐sectional study of wet work exposure and hand eczema among Swedish healthcare workers.…”