Work-Related Skin Problems

Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and it has important functions. When it’s healthy, your skin helps:

*  Regulate your body’s temperature

*  Keep invaders like bacteria and fungus out

*  Protect you from the elements, such as cold and sun

Your job & your skin

Your skin needs care and protection to stay healthy – at home and at work. Do you work with chemicals or harmful substances? Do you wash your hands often? People who work in these fields are more prone to work-related skin problems:

*  Manufacturing

*  Food production

*  Construction

*  Machine tool operation

*  Printing

*  Metal plating

*  Leather processing

*  Engine service

*  Landscaping

*  Farming

*  Forestry

*  Health care

Healthy skin at work

Take precautions to prevent skin irritation and injury at work. If you work with chemicals, follow these steps:

*  Store all chemicals safely and label them correctly.

*  Use proper waste containers.

*  Have a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every dangerous substance used at work.

*  Wear protective gear like gloves, aprons, hats and masks.

*  Take off oil- or chemical-soaked work clothes before you leave work.

*  Know what to do if your skin comes in contact with a harmful substance.

*  When possible, use tools to handle dangerous materials so they don’t touch your skin.

*  If you work with radiation, wear protective clothing and gear to prevent exposure.

If you wash your hands frequently at work:

*  Do not clean your skin with chemicals. Use only cleansers designed for the skin.

*  Apply lotion, cream or petroleum jelly after washing hands to prevent dryness, cracking and eczema.

If you work outdoors, take sun protection seriously. Make sure you:

*  Apply sunscreen at least every two hours if you’re in the sun.

*  Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers your body.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians