Secondary individual prevention of hand dermatitis in geriatric nurses.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of occupational skin disease (OSD) in geriatric nurses (GNs) is increasing in Germany.


OBJECTIVE
A prospective controlled study of secondary individual prevention (SIP) of OSD in GNs was conducted.


METHODS
Two hundred and nine participants completed questionnaires prior to the start of the program and 3 months after its conclusion. One hundred and two GNs participated in an interventional program (intervention group, IG). Severity of OSD was classified upon each visit. Delta-TEWL values were measured at regular intervals. Findings were compared with those for 107 control group (CG) participants consulting a dermatologist on demand. SIP was not offered to CG participants.


RESULTS
Upon entry, 89% of IG and 90% CG complained of OSD (NS). Dermatologic examination revealed skin changes in 90% of IG at first consultation. Upon study completion, 59% of IG was free of OSD. Questionnaires 3 months after study completion revealed skin lesions in 53% of IG and 82% of CG (p<0.01). Delta-TEWL measurements reflected significant improvement of the epidermal barrier during SIP in IG (median 6.9-3.0 g/m(2)/h, p<0.001). Three months after study completion, 96% of IG and 86% of CG were still employed.


CONCLUSIONS
Objective dermatologic and skin physiologic data reveal that SIP in GNs is effective in the secondary prevention of OSD. Further, IG was superior to CG in terms of health maintenance and employment.
Schürer
Nanna Y
NY
Department of Dermatology, Human Sciences, University of Osnabrück, Sedanstrasse 115, 49090 Osnabrück, Germany. nschuere@uos.de
Klippel
Ulrike
U
Schwanitz
Hans J
HJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D032561:Cotton Fiber; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce
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