ABSTRACT
I. Introduction 438
II. Barrier Creams 439
A. Mode of Action 439
B. Evaluation of Efficacy 440
C. Adverse Effects and Contraindications 441
III. Emollients 442
A. Mode of Action 442
B. Evaluation of Efficacy 443
C. Adverse Effects and Contraindications 443
IV. Practical Use in the Workplace 444
V. Conclusion 444
References 445
I. INTRODUCTION
Contact dermatitis is the most common manifestation of occupational skin disease. Since the course may be chronic, leading to disability, and because treatment is frequently of limited efficacy, prevention should be emphasized to reduce the incidence and prevalence of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Detergents, solvents, and even plain water are able to dissolve skin lipids, leading to damage of epidermal barrier function. The result may be erythema, scaling, and itching. Apart from total elimination of
cutaneous exposure to hazardous substances and the use of gloves or protective clothing, barrier creams (BC) (protective creams) are targeted as one of the classical means of skin protection against noxious chemicals from the environment.1 Skin protection in the workplace consists of preexposure BCs, mild skin cleansers, and postexposure skin care products such as emollients or moisturizers (Table 27.1). Whereas BCs are designed to prevent skin damage due to irritant contact, skin cleaning should remove aggressive substances from the skin, and skin care is intended to enhance epidermal barrier regeneration.2
