While skin problem is something to be really concerned of, the reasons that give rise to the problems often remain hidden. On one hand, genetic factors and inherent nature of the skin tops the list of causes for various skin problems, but on the other hand one important factor that is often overlooked and never thought of as the possible culprit is the work place and nature of work. There are several professions that are dens of contamination and infections and cause skin problems much to our lack of knowledge. Let us have a look at some of the professions that are the most common causes of mild to severe skin problems:
1. Catering service
This is a type of work where human contact is a must and includes regular physical interactions between some of the most important designations like chef, steward, catering assistants, etc. The major skin problem arising in this case is dermatitis.
Causes
Repetitive physical contact between a diseased person and a normal human being in situations when unprotected hands meet or when dish washing agent is touched directly with hands o the dish cleaning and cooking equipment are touched with naked hands, the infections
Prevention
Always wear non latex gloves in your workplace so that you can minimize direct physical contact. Instead of hands, use tongues, spoon, spatula to handle food. Instead of a knife and manual chopper, insist on using a food processor for chopping and cutting as far as possible. Instead of sharing fabric towels use paper napkins that can be disposed off after using. Keep on continuing to moisturize your hands whenever you get time, using a hand cream that will not contaminate food. Regular moisturization will retain the natural oil of your hands, which acts as a strong barrier against contamination.
2. Health service
This is a medical profession where all the professionals like nurses, doctors and attendants have to handle patients suffering from various ailments, which can even be contagious skin disorders. It leads to 7 percent more chances of contact dermatitis.
Causes
Contact dermatitis is a contagious disease that gets transferred from an affected perfect to a healthy one, making the latter a sufferer of the consequences too. Another popular reason for spread of contact dermatitis in medical industry is frequent exposure to soap and detergent bars. Although washing hands with soap may appear to be a symbol of cleanliness, but an exposed bar may be a breeding ground of bacteria and virus since a number of people handle the same throughout the day. Moreover, repetitive expose to circumstances that demand wetting and washing hands at frequent intervals and exposure to elements like rubber latex, bleach, sterilizers, aldehydes, etc. can also lead to dermatitis.
Prevention
It is advised to use tools and equipment provided for handling things as much as possible rather than involving naked hands. Use liquid hand washers or liquid sanitizers that discourage handling the product directly. Also ensure that you have dried your hands thoroughly after washing and there is no residual water. Check your hands frequently for possible symptoms of contact dermatitis as early detection is always better to treat. Cover your body as much as possible and try to moisturize your hands often to strengthen the effect of your natural barrier, the natural oil secreted from the palms.
3. Dentistry
This is a profession that is related to the various teeth related problems and its cure by adopting several medical means. The chances of spreading of dermatitis in this case are about ten percent for nurses and attendants and seven percent for doctors.
Causes
Handling rubber chemicals continually, such as carbamates, thirurams, etc. are the chief causes of contact dermatitis in dentistry. These compounds may be present either in synthetic or natural rubber materials. Coming in contact with soaps, towels, napkins, cotton and detergents that are meant for multiple users and involve direct physical contact, frequent washing of hands and not properly drying are other popular causes. Other allergens and irritating chemicals connected to dentistry such as X-ray developer, etc. are also the carriers of contact dermatitis.
Prevention
It is recommended that tools and equipments needed during the work must be chosen in such a wise way that there are less probabilities of propagation of the disease. Therefore, ensure that you stay away from putting your naked hand into any medical equipment, without using sanitized tools and instruments and without wearing non latex gloves. After the completion of each and every job, wash your hands thoroughly with a mild hand sanitizer that is available by means of a dispenser, so that direct contact can be avoided. Always be particular about drying your hands completely with a clean and ready to dispose paper towel to ward off chances of contamination as much as possible.
4. Constructional work
The nature of work involves exposure to harmful substances like asbestos, limestone, dust, dirt, etc. People involved here are roofers, bricklayers, builders, etc.
Causes
Some of the harmful substances like hardeners, bitumen, solvents in paints, petrol, diesel, etc. along with frequent exposure to wet conditions give rise to dermatitis.
Prevention
Safeguarding yourself from direct skin contact with harmful substances is a vital measure to consider. Wear gloves. Try to keep yourself as dry as possible.
5. Motor vehicle repairing business
People connected to automobile industry and involved in repairing, assembling and valeting different parts of vehicles. They have about 7 percent more chances of dermatitis.
Causes
Body contact with harmful foreign substances like used engine oil, grease, lubricants, foam fillers, etc. increase chances of skin allergy and dermatitis. Wet conditions throughout the day further aggravate the situation.
Prevention
Try to get hold of a skin friendly substitute of a harmful substance. Ensure that the work area is clean. Keep your skin protected while you are working.
6. Metal industry
Exposure to metal working fluids and accidental spills of harmful chemicals are common occurrence in metal industry, that brings forth lots of skin problems, which makes 10% more people vulnerable.
Causes
Synthetic fluids and harmful chemicals that are key ingredients in metal industry is extremely detrimental when it comes in contact to human skin. The residual wastes of metal industry, like slag, slurry, etc. are equally harmful too. and leads to skin diseases, allergies and even burnt skin conditions.
Prevention
Use refined oils instead of crude oils, as the latter is more dangerous. Ensure your own protection by wearing full body covered industrial garments. Wear chemical resistant gloves when handling harmful substances.
7. Printing
Workers involved in printing are susceptible to dermatitis on their fingers, hands, webs of the fingers and wrists due to exposure to different dangerous chemicals and solvents in their workplace.
Causes
Most common culprits of dermatitis at printing industry are thinners, inks and cleaning solvents, developers, etc. Moreover, direct contact to infected cleaning soaps also leads to skin allergies.
Prevention
Avoid body contact with harmful and contaminated objects. Use protective garments like gloves, fully covered dresses, shoes, etc. Contact a doctor if you see an earl sign of dermatitis.
8. Hair dressing
Handling clients or coming in bodily contact with people while hair dressing exposes an individual greater chances of infection and skin disorders.
Causes
Wet hands of the workers for a prolonged period of time is the root cause of dermatitis in this sector. Other chemicals like hair dyes, bleaches, hair color, etc. might lead to dermatitis in some of the people. Contaminated tools and clothes also transmit dermatitis.
Prevention
Wear disposable gloves that are made from non latex materials, ever time you handle a client. After you finish work dry your hands properly and moisturize. Check for signs of dermatitis frequently.