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Knowledge of skin hazards and the use of gloves by Australian hairdressing students and practising hairdressers
Author(s) -
Nixon Rosemary,
Roberts Hugh,
Frowen Kathryn,
Sim Malcolm
Publication year - 2006
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.0105-1873.2006.00790.x
Subject(s) - dermatology , medicine , contact dermatitis , allergy , occupational exposure , environmental health , immunology
Occupational contact dermatitis is common amongst hairdressers. In this population‐based study, 193 trainee hairdressers and 184 practising hairdressers completed a questionnaire detailing their knowledge of skin hazards, the skills they practised and the frequency of glove use. Knowledge of skin hazards was poor in both groups. While up to 70% of participants correctly identified hairdressing chemicals as potential skin hazards, less than 15% correctly identified the role of wet work. Only a small proportion recognized that hairdressing chemicals could cause allergy. Contrary to findings elsewhere, less‐experienced hairdressers often handled chemicals, particularly hair dyes containing p ‐phenylene diamine. The use of gloves was inadequate, particularly when performing work at the basin, which both junior and senior hairdressers did on a regular basis. Recommended strategies for the prevention of hand dermatitis in hairdressers include improved student education, appropriate glove use and the application of after‐work moisturizing creams.