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Self-application of a protective cream. Pitfalls of occupational skin protection
W Wigger-Alberti1, B Maraffio, M Wernli
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Objectives:
To determine if a protective cream (PC) is adequately applied to the hands by workers in several occupations and to quantify what areas are covered or missed.
Design:
Prospective diagnostic study.
Settings:
Metalworking factory, construction sites, and university hospital.
Participants:
One hundred fifty healthy volunteers (50 from each setting) were recruited for a questionnaire interview and typical self-application of a PC.
Intervention:
None.
Main Outcome Measure:
Percentage of sufficient cover with PC as assessed with fluorescence under Wood light.
Results:
Many areas were skipped when viewed under Wood light. The application of PC was incomplete, especially on the dorsal aspects of the hands.
Conclusion:
Individuals should be made aware of the most commonly missed regions to ensure complete skin protection. This simple method is a useful adjunct to quantify self-application and in worker education.