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Exposure of the hands to wet work in nurses
Author(s) -
Jungbauer F. H. W.,
Lensen G. J.,
Groothoff J. W.,
Coenraads P. J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2004.0314.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hand dermatitis , duration (music) , work (physics) , irritant contact dermatitis , population , hand eczema , occupational exposure , contact dermatitis , environmental health , allergy , mechanical engineering , literature , engineering , immunology , art
Prevention of hand dermatitis among nurses can be achieved by reduction of wet‐work exposure. A preventive programme should be based on knowledge of exposure levels. An accurate method to assess such exposure levels is needed. Duration and frequency of wet‐work activities were assessed by a questionnaire, in various parts of the health care sector. In addition, a randomly chosen sample from this population was observed for the duration and frequency of wet work. In contrast to the questionnaire, the observation method showed less than half the duration of wet work. Observation detected almost double the frequency that was reported with the questionnaire. Gloves were observed to be used daily in special care units for short time periods. A questionnaire does not accurately assess the quantity of wet‐work activities. On regular wards, the exposure to irritants is mainly associated with the frequency of wet hands, rather than the duration of wet hands. We assume that the short‐term use of gloves on special care units does not cause an increased risk of hand dermatitis. Preventive programmes can focus on decreasing the frequency of wet hands by encouraging the use of gloves; the use of gloves should not only be advised to prevent infections but also to protect against hand dermatitis.