Wet Work and Barrier Function.

Area of Science:

• Occupational dermatology
• Skin barrier function research
• Contact dermatitis studies

Background:

• Wet work, including frequent hand washing and prolonged glove occlusion, is implicated in irritant contact dermatitis across many occupations.
• Understanding the impact of wet work on skin barrier integrity is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent studies on wet-work exposure and its effects on skin barrier function.
• To compare findings from occupational cohort studies and experimental procedures.

Main Methods:

• Monitoring at-risk occupational cohorts using skin bioengineering and clinical scoring.
• Conducting experimental tests on healthy volunteers with controlled water, occlusion, and detergent exposure.
• Measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as an indicator of barrier integrity.

Main Results:

• High frequencies of hand washing and water contact are primary factors in skin barrier alterations.
• Prolonged glove occlusion alone may not negatively impact skin in some occupational settings.
• Experimental evidence shows occlusion increases skin susceptibility to irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate.

Conclusions:

• Occupational wet work, particularly frequent hand washing, compromises skin barrier function.
• Occlusion from glove use can heighten skin's vulnerability to irritants post-exposure.
• Findings highlight the need for protective measures against wet work and occlusion in the workplace.