Study for the Effectiveness of Skin Protecting Preparations within a Three Step Skin Protecting Plan - Risk assessment and safety measures

Project No. FF-FP 0220

Status:

completed 07/2009

Aims:

The present study assessed the effectiveness of skin protection as presently recommended, especially the differential contribution of skin care and skin protection to the prevention of occupational hand eczema.

Activities/Methods:

Of 1355 metal workers screened, 1020 male volunteers, all fit for work, were recruited for a prospective intervention study with four arms (skin care, skin protection, both combined, and control group, i.e., no particular measure).
The study was performed from winter 2006/2007 to spring 2008, following each subject up for twelve months. Both hands were examined using a quantitative skin score and a standardized personal interview was performed at three times. The change of the objective skin score from baseline to twelve months was used as primary outcome measure.

Results:

After twelve months 800 subjects could be included (78.4% of those recruited). The compliance to follow the randomized measure depended on the recommended measure and ranged from 73.7 to 88.7%. While in the control group a significant deterioration was found, the largest and significant improvement was noted in the group following the skin protection program as it was generally recommended (skin care and protection) followed by skin protection alone as second best.

Conclusion: The skin protection regimen as it is generally recommended seems to provide effective prevention of occupational skin disease. Therefore, the compliance to follow the skin protection regimen, especially the use of skin protection, should be
enhanced.

Last Update:

28 Jun 2010

Project

Financed by:
  • Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung e.V. (DGUV)
Research institution(s):
  • Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung - Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA)
  • Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Branche(s):

-cross sectoral-

Type of hazard:

dangerous substances

Catchwords:

Persönliche Schutzausrüstung, Prävention, Chemische Arbeitsstoffe

Description, key words:

skin protection, skin protecting preparations, prevention, irritative and/or allergic hand eczema

Contact

Further information

Final report (PDF, 1.1 MB, non-accessible) (in German)

Kütting, B.; Baumeister, T.; Weistenhöfer, W.; Pfahlberg, A. ; Uter, W.; Drexler, H.: Effectiveness of skin protection measures in prevention of occupational hand eczema: results of a prospective randomized controlled trial over a follow-up period of 1 year. British Journal of Dermatology 162 (2010) pp 362-370

Kütting, B.: Akzeptanz und Wirksamkeit des Hautschutzkonzepts bei Beschäftigten der metallbearbeitenden Industrie. Ergebnisse einer Querschnittsuntersuchung und einer randomisierten, kontrollierten Interventionsstudie. Dermatologie in Beruf und Umwelt, Jahrgang 57, Nr. 4 (2009) S. 138-142

Kütting, B.; Weistenhöfer, W.; Baumeister, T.; Uter, W.; Drexler H.: Compliance von Beschäftigten mit Exposition zu Kühlschmierstoffen bei der Anwendung von Hautschutz- und Hautpflegepräparaten in Deutschland/Acceptance of skin protection among workers exposed to cutting fluids in German factories. Arbeitsmed.Sozialmed.Umweltmed. 45 (2010) Nr. 2, S. 70-75

Kütting, B.; Weistenhöfer, W.; Baumeister, T.; Uter, W.; Drexler H.: Welchen Einzelbeitrag leisten Hautschutz-und Hautpflegepräparate in der Prävention beruflich verursachter Hauterkrankungen? Ergebnisse einer prospektiven, vierarmigen Interventionsstudie. Arbeitsmed.Sozialmed.Umweltmed. 45 (2010) Nr. 4, S. 170-177