Study for the Effectiveness of Skin Protecting Preparations within a Three Step Skin Protecting Plan - Risk assessment and safety measures

Status:

completed 07/2009

Aims:

The present study assessed the effectiveness of skin protection as presently recommended, especially the differential contribution of skin care and skin protection to the prevention of occupational hand eczema.

Activities/Methods:

Of 1355 metal workers screened, 1020 male volunteers, all fit for work, were recruited for a prospective intervention study with four arms (skin care, skin protection, both combined, and control group, i.e., no particular measure). The study was performed from winter 2006/2007 to spring 2008, following each subject up for twelve months. Both hands were examined using a quantitative skin score and a standardized personal interview was performed at three times. The change of the objective skin score from baseline to twelve months was used as primary outcome measure.

Results:

After twelve months 800 subjects could be included (78.4% of those recruited). The compliance to follow the randomized measure depended on the recommended measure and ranged from 73.7 to 88.7%. While in the control group a significant deterioration was found, the largest and significant improvement was noted in the group following the skin protection program as it was generally recommended (skin care and protection) followed by skin protection alone as second best. Conclusion: The skin protection regimen as it is generally recommended seems to provide effective prevention of occupational skin disease. Therefore, the compliance to follow the skin protection regimen, especially the use of skin protection, should be enhanced.

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