Hand dermatitis: a problem commonly affecting nurses

Szepietowski J, Salomon J

Hand dermatitis is regarded as one of the most often observed dermatological disorders among nurses. The factors that increase the risk of developing hand dermatitis are as follows: frequent washing hands, using disinfectants, wet-work conditions, exposure to medical substances, detergents and wearing rubber gloves. Most cases of occupational hand dermatitis is due to chronic exposure to irritants that cause the inflammation on the nonallergic pathway. Recurring contact to irritants disturbes the natural skin barrier and causes inflammation. There are reports showing the presence of skin barrier alterations among nurses working in operating room units. The most common contact allergens in the hospital environment include rubber, latex, medicaments and antiseptic products. In our study the incidence of self-reported hand dermatitis in hospital staff was very high. About 70% of respondents declared the presence of symptoms of hand eczema within the last 12 months and about 46% of the studied group had skin lesions at the moment of self-examination. Almost 75% of employees with hand dermatitis had observed the worsening of skin problems in relation to work and 79% reported improvement of skin changes during the leisure time. We also noted that a personal or family history of atopy increases the risk of developing hand dermatitis in nurses. We would also like to emphasize the psychological consequencies that affect nurses with hand dermatitis. According to our data 48% of hospital employees with hand eczema declare psychological distress caused by their skin lesions.