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Low humidity and microtrauma
Author(s) -
Rycroft R. J. G.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.4700080417
Subject(s) - microtrauma , stratum corneum , humidity , medicine , relative humidity , dermatology , critical relative humidity , composite material , surgery , materials science , meteorology , pathology , physics
Low‐humidity dermatoses arise in the work place as a result of low water content of the air. At a relative humidity of 10% or less, the horny layer becomes rigid and brittle. The combination of low humidity, high temperature, and, frequently, rapid air movement dehydrates the outer stratum corneum. This leads to pruritus and, finally, to low‐grade eczema. A roughened, scaly stratum corneum becomes more susceptible to mechanical trauma. Microtrauma from small particles can aggravate the dry scaly dermatosis. Low‐humidity lesions resolve quickly with the simple expedients of routine use of moisturizers and/or raising the relative humidity.