Knowledge of skin hazards and the use of gloves by Australian hairdressing students and practising hairdressers.
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.
Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre, Skin and Cancer Foundation, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. rnixon@occderm.asn.au
Rosemary
R
Nixon
Hugh
H
Roberts
Kathryn
K
Frowen
Malcolm
M
Sim
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006203:Hair Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology
D006203:Hair Preparations