title: [Prevention of hand dermatoses in small catering enterprises].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Work in catering and food processing is mostly performed by hands. Mechanical, thermal and chemical agents, as well as damp working conditions and frequent hand washing aggravate skin irritation. The aim of the study was to test the efficacy of hydrophobic skin protection measure at these workplaces.
  
  
  METHODS
  We recommended the prevention of contact skin disorders by using hydrophobic skin protection measure. The study was conducted in a group of 20 food service sector workers, They were interviewed about skin problems and skin protection measures. Tolb assess the effect of the protective preparation on the skin dermatological test procedures, corneometry and sebumetry, were applied, as well as the level of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured. The same survey was performed in the control group composed of 10 workers who used and 10 who did not use barrier preparation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The respondents declared dryness, roughness, peeling, burning, redness, erythema of the skin. All who had applied barrier cream observed a significant improvement of the skin hydration increased by about 30%, and lubrication of the skin - by 11 times on average. Also the level of TEWL decreased by about 25%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The improvement of skin conditions and reduction of skin disorders were observed confirming the effectiveness of the protection of the skin from exposure to harmful factors. Knowledge about prevention of skin diseases should be promoted among employees of catering enterprises.
authors: Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy-Pafistwowy Instytut Badawczy/ Central Institute for Labour Protection National Research, Warszawa, Poland. jokur@ciop.pl
authors: Joanna
authors: J
authors: Kurpiewska
authors: Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy-Pafistwowy Instytut Badawczy/ Central Institute for Labour Protection National Research, Warszawa, Poland.
authors: Jolanta
authors: J
authors: Liwkowicz
authors: Zaldad Zagrozeń Chemicznych, Pylowych i Biologicznych/ Department of Chemical, Aerosol and Biological Hazards Wyisza Szkola Kosmetyki i Pielegnacji Zdrowia / Warsaw Academy of Cosmetics and Health Care, Warszawa, Poland.
authors: Kamila
authors: K
authors: Padlewska
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult