title: Efficacy of a Hand Regimen in Skin Barrier Protection in Individuals With Occupational Irritant Contact Dermatitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Occupational irritant contact dermatitis (OICD) is a dif cult and hard to manage condition. It occurs more frequently in certain occupations where contact with harsh chemicals, use of alcohol-based disinfectants, and frequent hand washing heightens the risk. Treatment for OICD includes patient education in addition to physical, topical, and systemic therapies.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the pathogenesis and treatment options for OICD and evaluate the ef cacy of a selective skin-care regimen involv- ing a hand protectant cream alone as well as combined with a repair cream and speci c cleanser.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single-center open study was performed comprising 42 healthy male and female adult volunteers prone to occupational irritant contact dermatitis due to frequent wet work or contact with detergents. Between day 0 and day 7, subjects applied a hand protectant cream as needed on both hands (at least twice daily). On days 7 to 14, subjects applied a hand protectant cream and cleanser as needed on both hands (at least twice daily) as well as a repair cream each evening. A diary log was given to each volunteer for application control and for a subjective evaluation of daily tolerability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In these subjects prone to occupational irritant contact dermatitis, the hand protectant cream applied during the initial 7-day period was effective in restoring the damaged skin barrier and improving the stratum corneum hydration. A regimen that combined the hand protectant and repair creams with a speci c cleanser during a further 7-day period allowed contin- ued improvement of skin hydration and additional clinical bene ts while respecting the skin barrier function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study support the use of a 3-step approach for patients who are at risk of repeated exposure to external irritants. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(suppl 11):s81-85.</em>.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jordan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*; D063465:Skin Cream / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000187:drug effects