Related Experiment Videos
Irritant contact dermatitis in warehouse employees
J Ashworth1, R J Rycroft, R S Waddy
1St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas's Hospital, London, UK.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Over-frequent hand washing among airline employees, driven by perceived risks from aircraft parts, paradoxically caused chronic irritant contact dermatitis. This study highlights psychological factors influencing occupational skin health.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- A new warehouse operation for aircraft parts led to employee skin complaints.
- Initial surveys indicated a prevalence of skin problems among airline employees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of skin complaints in airline employees at a new warehouse.
- To identify the relationship between work activities and the development of dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a detailed survey of skin complaints among 114 employees.
- Performed a clinical survey on 98 employees to confirm diagnoses.
- Assessed work involving reception, unpackaging, inspection, repackaging, and dispatch of aircraft parts.
Main Results:
- 26 cases of skin problems were reported during the 2.5-year operation.
- 14 cases of chronic irritant contact dermatitis of the hands were confirmed.
- The work itself was not the direct source of irritation; psychological factors and heightened hygiene practices were implicated.
Conclusions:
- Perceived risks associated with aircraft parts and pre-existing eczema heightened employee anxiety.
- Increased hand washing frequency, driven by these perceptions, led to iatrogenic dermatitis.
- Psychological factors and behavioral changes significantly impacted occupational skin health outcomes.