21/08/2023

Contact dermatitis is a widespread dermatological problem, both in and outside of work environments. It is essentially an inflammation of the skin caused by interaction with allergens or irritants, and there are numerous triggers for contact dermatitis on the hands or fingers. Workplaces are the most common site of exposure to harmful materials that can provoke particularly severe and disabling reactions in the skin.

To prevent and properly treat this condition, it is essential to know that there are two distinct forms of contact dermatitis, namely allergic and irritative. What do they look like, what are they caused by and how can they be prevented?

Allergic contact dermatitis: how to recognise it?

Allergic contact dermatitis, also known by the acronym ACD, is caused by exposure of the skin to allergenic substances, which trigger an immune system response in individuals who have been previously sensitised to that allergen.

The phenomenon of sensitisation occurs in two distinct phases:

· at first, the immune system is exposed to an antigen, triggering a sensitisation process that may last several days (in the case of strong sensitisers) or several years (in the case of weak sensitisers);

· upon re-exposure to the same allergen, the allergic reaction is triggered through a process driven by T-cells, which migrate to the superficial layers of the skin and cause the typical symptomatology of ACD.

What are the symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis? Generally, the manifestations of acute ACD include severe itching, scaling, erythema and superficial blisters, which may appear on the back or on the palm of the hand, while worsening of the disease may lead to the formation of bullous or scaly lesions, hyperkeratotic plaques, true ulcers and fissures.

What causes allergic-type contact dermatitis of the hands? In non-occupational settings, it is often detergents, cosmetics, certain plant substances and specific categories of drugs that cause allergic dermatitis (such as antibiotics, antihistamines, antiseptics or anaesthetics).

In the workplace, however, ACDs are extremely common and are triggered by the wide range of chemicals used in industry, such as resins, dyes, additives, adhesives, pesticides, formaldehyde or metals (such as nickel, chromium, cobalt or mercury). Volatile substances, such as wood dust, cement or glass fibres, can also cause allergic contact dermatitis.

Therefore, it is imperative that specific measures are taken in every workplace to prevent skin contact with potential allergens. Which ones? For example, the use of PPE appropriate to the task or professional barrier creams, such as those formulated by Nettuno.

Hand creams for contact dermatitis are true allies of safety in the workplace and, used before each work shift, keep the skin safe from:

· water-based substances, in the case of Protexins Plus;

· oily and greasy substances, in the case of Protexsol Professional.

Irritant contact dermatitis: the most common in the workplace

Irritative forms of contact dermatitis are also called ICD and are caused by repeated contact between the skin and substances with irritating power, during which the skin tissues are compromised without an immunological response from the body.

Irritant dermatitis accounts for 80% of all contact dermatitis and, especially prevalent in professional environments, is often triggered by solvents, acids, metal compounds, mineral oils, bituminous products, plastic components or alkaline solutions. Particularly common is also hand dermatitis from detergents, due to frequent use of industrial detergents or even soaps with poor skin tolerance.

Acute ICD cases may also be related to short-term exposure to the irritant agent, whereas for chronic irritant contact dermatitis to occur, fairly long and constant exposure is required even with substances of low irritant power.

What are the symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis? In its acute phase, it is triggered by symptoms such as burning and pain in the skin, erythema, vesicles, papules, oedemas, blisters, peeling of the skin, hyperkeratosis and thickening of the skin or even rhagades, in more severe cases. Itching is not usually among the characterising symptoms.

Even in the case of ICD, Nettuno barrier creams can become essential partners for any professional who uses his or her hands as a working tool and thus wishes to safeguard their health. It is also good to know that there is a particular type of phototoxic irritative dermatitis, resulting from a combination of skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the local application or oral intake of photosensitising agents.

To avoid it, in addition to always checking the UV reaction of the products you use, it is also a good idea to expose yourself to the sun with caution and to apply good professional creams with a high SPF to your skin, such as the Protexsun Protection SPF50 face and body sun cream offered by Nettuno.

The relationship between frequent washing and dermatitis

One of the most common dermatitis today, especially in workplaces where frequent hand cleaning is required, is that generated by irritation from washing products and/or continuous and repeated rubbing of the skin. Why does this happen?

The skin is covered by a thin and precious hydrolipidic layer, which effectively protects it from attacks from the external environment. Excessive cleansing of the skin or washing with overly aggressive cleansers concretely risks depleting the skin film, causing the skin to become increasingly dry and vulnerable to irritation, allergies, infection or inflammation.

To avoid hand-washing dermatitis, the best remedies are to use hand-washing products that respect the skin's balance and are able to cleanse thoroughly without irritating, drying or excessively abrasive effects.

Protecting your hands from dermatitis: 5 tips

Knowing about contact dermatitis is the basis for defending oneself, preventing it and treating it properly.

· The first step in preventing contact dermatitis in the workplace is, of course, the removal of the irritant or allergenic agent that caused the disorder. Appropriate job changes or the implementation of more conscious work procedures can be good strategies.

· If it is not possible to avoid contact with hazardous substances, it is obligatory to wear simple protective equipment, such as gloves, that mechanically prevent interaction between the skin and substances that could compromise its health. The use of barrier creams is another of the most effective methods to preserve skin well-being and avoid the occurrence of ACD or ICD.

· If one has to expose oneself, in private life or at work, to new potentially irritating or allergenic substances, it is always a good idea to do a small skin test to check their tolerability, especially in more sensitive subjects or those already predisposed to developing contact dermatitis.

· When dermatitis is already present on the skin, it is also essential to treat it promptly with appropriate drugs, such as corticosteroids for local or systemic use, antihistamines against itching (to prevent scratching from causing lesions or infections), antibiotics or antiseptics if necessary. In more severe cases, immunosuppressive drugs may be used.

· Keeping the organism healthy and keeping its general level of inflammation under control is essential, just as it is important to nourish the skin thoroughly, through professional moisturising creams, to promote its physiological regenerative processes and its resistance to aggressive external agents.

You can rely on Nettuno for the prevention of occupational skin diseases. Our many years of experience in the sector and the always up-to-date skills of our technicians can help you choose the best solutions for your work category. Contact us for information and personalised advice!