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Occupational skin diseases in nurses
Ruta Telksniene1, Vidmantas Januskevicius
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Kaunas Medical University, Kaunas, Lithuania. telksn@kmu.lt
Summary
Nearly half of nurses suffer from occupational skin diseases, primarily allergic contact dermatitis. Exposure to certain chemicals and prolonged work hours increase the risk of developing these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
- Nursing
Background:
- Occupational skin diseases (OSDs) are a significant concern among healthcare professionals.
- Nurses are frequently exposed to various chemicals and environmental factors that can lead to skin conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and prevalence of OSDs in nurses.
- To identify common symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with OSDs in the nursing profession.
- To explore the relationship between the occupational environment and the development of skin diseases.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 706 nurses from diverse hospital departments.
- Data collection through questionnaires and detailed records of disinfectant usage.
Main Results:
- A high incidence of OSDs was observed, affecting 47.3% of nurses.
- Allergic contact dermatitis was the most prevalent condition (28.5%), followed by irritant contact dermatitis (8.4%).
- Common symptoms reported included itching and skin redness.
Conclusions:
- Working with aldehydes and hydrogen peroxide increases the risk of OSDs.
- The use of latex gloves and extended working hours are significant risk factors for developing occupational dermatitis.
- Implementing targeted preventive measures is crucial for reducing OSDs in nurses.