Handeczema and occupational health and safety measures

Abstract

In recent decades, hand eczema has been seen more frequently in oral care practices. Hand eczema is a difficult problem, especially since the start of the current COVID-19-pandemic, and can lead to absence due to illness at work. The main trio in the development of eczema is predisposition (atopy), irritation and allergy. Irritative contact dermatitis is caused by damage to the skin barrier. In dentistry, this is often caused by frequent contact with water, soaps, disinfectants and the use of gloves. The cause of allergic contact dermatitis is related to the use of various materials in oral care practice, such as acrylates, rubber and rubber additives. Essential measures are very important in oral care practice to prevent hand eczema. Various measures are key: adequate skin care with liniments, good skin protection with proper gloves and no-touch techniques. Knowledge of possible allergens and adequate hand hygiene and hand care are crucial to minimize the risk of chronic eczema.