Skincare at work

• A skin rash, dryness or cracking of the skin, typically consisting of an area of red swollen skin, sometimes with tiny blisters which may weep and form a crust. 
• Skin becoming itchy, scaly or flaky, and if it persists for a long time, becoming thickened and cracked.

Substituting hazardous materials with safer alternatives is the first action to take. Avoiding exposure to hazardous substances that can cause dermatitis is a simple way to protect your skin.

• Always follow control measures outlined in risk assessments.
• Consider how you can use equipment for handling or automate processes.
• Don’t immerse your hands in chemicals.
• Avoid skin contact with contaminated surfaces.

Not all gloves protect against all chemicals; some chemicals can pass through a glove and appear as a vapour. You must match your gloves to the substance, the work environment, the type of work and the wearer.

• Always ensure your gloves are suitable for the task, stored correctly and replaced when necessary.
• Make sure you are putting clean hands into clean, undamaged gloves and that you know how to take them off without contaminating your skin.
• Never wear powdered latex gloves.

Gloves for use with chemicals will carry a:

• CE mark
• chemical protection sign
• relevant European standard number (eg, EN 374).

Pre-work barrier creams have a limited role in protecting skin from hazardous substances, but they do make it easier to remove dirt when you are washing your hands. This reduces the need for abrasive scrubs or powerful detergents.

• Combine barrier creams with other measures for good skincare at work.

Wash your hands promptly after your complete a task, remove your gloves or following any contamination. The longer a substance remains on your skin, the more time it has to penetrate and cause damage.

Frequently cleansing may be necessary, but cleansers can also cause some skin damage. Choose the mildest cleanser available that will remove the dirt effectively.

• To cleanse your hands, wash them in running water that is a lukewarm temperature.
• Avoid hot water, which damages the layer of fats in the skin that provide the main barrier against chemicals.
• Make sure that all dirt and soap is rinsed away.
• Dry your skin properly, ideally using high quality paper towels. Wet skin is more likely to transmit bacteria, so the risk of infection is increased.

Applying an emollient like a cream, moisturiser, or conditioner every time you have washed your hands will help you maintain the correct moisture balance for your skin to work properly.

A wide range of emollients are available, varying from very greasy products like ointments to less greasy options like creams. Emollients should be bland and non-perfumed.

• For mild skin dryness, a lotion or cream may be the most suitable option.
• Thicker creams or ointments are usually best for moderate to severe dryness.
• Always check the ingredients if you have skin allergies; sensitivity to lanolin is not uncommon.