Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Kanerva's Occupational Dermatology pp 839–846Cite as

Wet Work and Occlusion

  • Reference work entry

Abstract

Wet work includes activities where the workers:

Have their hands in a wet environment regularly for more than 2 h/day.

Must wash their hands frequently (e.g., 20 or more times per day) or intensively.

Wear waterproof gloves; the time of wearing such gloves is added to the time in a wet environment if no effective measures are taken to regenerate the skin.

The irritant factors within the generalized concept of wet work are water, detergents, water-soluble irritants and soils that are specific for the various occupations, and the mechanical factor (e.g., rubbing while cleaning or hand-washing).

Water and occlusion are themselves weak irritants but exert a tandem action to potentate the irritant effects of detergents and other factors.

Effective preventive measures can be implemented against the irritant effects of wet work.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Anveden Berglind I, Alderling M et al (2009) Occupational skin exposure to water: a population-based study. Br J Dermatol 160(3):616–621

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anveden I, Liden C et al (2006) Self-reported skin exposure–validation of questions by observation. Contact Dermatitis 55(3):186–191

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • BAUA (2008) TRGS-401. Risks resulting from skin contact – determination, evaluation, measures. http://www.baua.de/en/Topics-from-A-to-Z/Hazardous-Substances/TRGS/pdf/TRGS-401.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4. Accessed 15 Dec 2010

  • Berndt U, Hinnen U et al (1999) Role of the atopy score and of single atopic features as risk factors for the development of hand eczema in trainee metal workers. Br J Dermatol 140(5):922–924

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bryld LE, Hindsberger C et al (2003) Risk factors influencing the development of hand eczema in a population-based twin sample. Br J Dermatol 149(6):1214–1220

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bryld LE, Hindsberger C et al (2004) Genetic factors in nickel allergy evaluated in a population-based female twin sample. J Invest Dermatol 123(6):1025–1029

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Coenraads PJ, Diepgen TL (1998) Risk for hand eczema in employees with past or present atopic dermatitis. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 71(1):7–13

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crowther JM, Sieg A et al (2008) Measuring the effects of topical moisturizers on changes in stratum corneum thickness, water gradients and hydration in vivo. Br J Dermatol 159(3):567–577

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Diepgen TL, Coenraads PJ (1999) The epidemiology of occupational contact dermatitis. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 72(8):496–506

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Diepgen TL, Sauerbrei W et al (1996) Development and validation of diagnostic scores for atopic dermatitis incorporating criteria of data quality and practical usefulness. J Clin Epidemiol 49(9):1031–1038

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Egawa M, Tagami H (2008) Comparison of the depth profiles of water and water-binding substances in the stratum corneum determined in vivo by Raman spectroscopy between the cheek and volar forearm skin: effects of age, seasonal changes and artificial forced hydration. Br J Dermatol 158(2):251–260

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Egawa M, Hirao T et al (2007) In vivo estimation of stratum corneum thickness from water concentration profiles obtained with Raman spectroscopy. Acta Derm Venereol 87(1):4–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elsner P (2007) Protection from combination exposure. Curr Probl Dermatol 34:111–119

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fartasch M (2009) Skin protection. From TRGS 401 to guidelines on “occupational skin protection products”. Hautarzt 60(9):702–707

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fluhr JW, Lazzerini S et al (1999) Effects of prolonged occlusion on stratum corneum barrier function and water holding capacity. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol 12(4):193–198

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fluhr JW, Akengin A et al (2005) Additive impairment of the barrier function by mechanical irritation, occlusion and sodium lauryl sulphate in vivo. Br J Dermatol 153(1):125–131

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flyvholm MA, Lindberg M (2006) OEESC-2005–summing up on the theme irritants and wet work. Contact Dermatitis 55(6):317–321

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flyvholm MA, Mygind K et al (2005) A randomised controlled intervention study on prevention of work related skin problems among gut cleaners in swine slaughterhouses. Occup Environ Med 62(9):642–649

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heese A, van Hintzenstern J et al (1991) Allergic and irritant reactions to rubber gloves in medical health services. Spectrum, diagnostic approach, and therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol 25(5 Pt 1):831–839

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Held E, Mygind K et al (2002) Prevention of work related skin problems: an intervention study in wet work employees. Occup Environ Med 59(8):556–561

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jungbauer FH, Lensen GJ et al (2004a) Exposure of the hands to wet work in nurses. Contact Dermatitis 50(4):225–229

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jungbauer FH, van der Harst JJ et al (2004b) Skin protection in nursing work: promoting the use of gloves and hand alcohol. Contact Dermatitis 51(3):135–140

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jungersted JM, Hogh JK et al (2010) Skin barrier response to occlusion of healthy and irritated skin: differences in trans-epidermal water loss, erythema and stratum corneum lipids. Contact Dermatitis 63(6):313–319

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kappes UP, Goritz N et al (2001) Tandem application of sodium lauryl sulfate and n-propanol does not lead to enhancement of cumulative skin irritation. Acta Derm Venereol 81(6):403–405

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kartono F, Maibach HI (2006) Irritants in combination with a synergistic or additive effect on the skin response: an overview of tandem irritation studies. Contact Dermatitis 54(6):303–312

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kezic S, Nielsen J (2009) Absorption of chemicals through compromised skin. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 82(6):677–688

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kligman AM (2000) Hydration injury to human skin: a view from the horny layer. In: Kanerva L, Elsner P, Wahlberg JE, Maibach HI (eds) Handbook of occupational dermatology. Springer, Berlin, pp 76–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Kralj N, Oertel C et al (2011) Duration of wet work in hairdressers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 84(1):29–34

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lan CC, Tu HP et al (2011) Hand dermatitis among university hospital nursing staff with or without atopic eczema: assessment of risk factors. Contact Dermatitis 64(2):73–79

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lim YL, Goon A (2007) Occupational skin diseases in Singapore 2003–2004: an epidemiologic update. Contact Dermatitis 56(3):157–159

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Loden M, Buraczewska I et al (2003) The irritation potential and reservoir effect of mild soaps. Contact Dermatitis 49(2):91–96

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meding B, Jarvholm B (2002) Hand eczema in Swedish adults – changes in prevalence between 1983 and 1996. J Invest Dermatol 118(4):719–723

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meding B, Wrangsjo K et al (2005) Fifteen-year follow-up of hand eczema: persistence and consequences. Br J Dermatol 152(5):975–980

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Menon GK, Elias PM (1997) Morphologic basis for a pore-pathway in mammalian stratum corneum. Skin Pharmacol 10(5–6):235–246

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer JD, Chen Y et al (2000) Occupational contact dermatitis in the UK: a surveillance report from EPIDERM and OPRA. Occup Med (Lond) 50(4):265–273

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mirza R, Maani N et al (2006) A randomized, controlled, double-blind study of the effect of wearing coated pH 5.5 latex gloves compared with standard powder-free latex gloves on skin pH, transepidermal water loss and skin irritation. Contact Dermatitis 55(1):20–25

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen J (1996) The occurrence and course of skin symptoms on the hands among female cleaners. Contact Dermatitis 34(4):284–291

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen JB, Nielsen F et al (2007) Defense against dermal exposures is only skin deep: significantly increased penetration through slightly damaged skin. Arch Dermatol Res 299(9):423–431

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Norlen L, Emilson A et al (1997) Stratum corneum swelling. Biophysical and computer assisted quantitative assessments. Arch Dermatol Res 289(9):506–513

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rajka G, Aly R et al (1981) The effect of short-term occlusion on the cutaneous flora in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Acta Derm Venereol 61(2):150–153

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramsing DW, Agner T (1996a) Effect of glove occlusion on human skin (II). Long-term experimental exposure. Contact Dermatitis 34(4):258–262

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramsing DW, Agner T (1996b) Effect of glove occlusion on human skin. (I). short-term experimental exposure. Contact Dermatitis 34(1):1–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rippke F, Schreiner V et al (2002) The acidic milieu of the horny layer: new findings on the physiology and pathophysiology of skin pH. Am J Clin Dermatol 3(4):261–272

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rippke F, Schreiner V et al (2004) Stratum corneum pH in atopic dermatitis: impact on skin barrier function and colonization with Staphylococcus aureus. Am J Clin Dermatol 5(4):217–223

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schliemann S (2007) Limitations of skin protection. Curr Probl Dermatol 34:171–177

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Slotosch CM, Kampf G et al (2007) Effects of disinfectants and detergents on skin irritation. Contact Dermatitis 57(4):235–241

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thyssen JP, Johansen JD et al (2010) The epidemiology of hand eczema in the general population–prevalence and main findings. Contact Dermatitis 62(2):75–87

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Uter W, Pfahlberg A et al (1999a) Hand dermatitis in a prospectively-followed cohort of hairdressing apprentices: final results of the POSH study. Prevention of occupational skin disease in hairdressers. Contact Dermatitis 41(5):280–286

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uter W, Pfahlberg A et al (1999b) Risk of hand dermatitis among hairdressers versus office workers. Scand J Work Environ Health 25(5):450–456

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Valk PG, Maibach HI (1989) Post-application occlusion substantially increases the irritant response of the skin to repeated short-term sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) exposure. Contact Dermatitis 21(5):335–338

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Verdier-Sevrain S, Bonte F (2007) Skin hydration: a review on its molecular mechanisms. J Cosmet Dermatol 6(2):75–82

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Warner RR, Boissy YL et al (1999) Water disrupts stratum corneum lipid lamellae: damage is similar to surfactants. J Invest Dermatol 113(6):960–966

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Warner RR, Stone KJ et al (2003) Hydration disrupts human stratum corneum ultrastructure. J Invest Dermatol 120(2):275–284

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Warren R, Ertel KD et al (1996) The influence of hard water (calcium) and surfactants on irritant contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 35(6):337–343

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weisshaar E, Radulescu M et al (2006) Educational and dermatological aspects of secondary individual prevention in healthcare workers. Contact Dermatitis 54(5):254–260

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wetzky U, Bock M et al (2009) Short- and long-term effects of single and repetitive glove occlusion on the epidermal barrier. Arch Dermatol Res 301(8):595–602

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Willis I (1973) The effects of prolonged water exposure on human skin. J Invest Dermatol 60(3):166–171

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wulfhorst B, Schwanitz HJ et al (2004) Optimizing skin protection with semipermeable gloves. Dermatitis 15(4):184–191

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhai H, Maibach HI (2002) Occlusion vs. skin barrier function. Skin Res Technol 8(1):1–6

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Jena, Erfurter Strasse 35, D 07743, Jena, Germany

    Dimitar Antonov, Sibylle Schliemann & Dr. Peter Elsner (Professor and Chairman)

  2. Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrueck, Sedanstrasse 115 (D1), D-49069, Osnabrueck, Germany

    Dr. Swen-Malte John

Authors
  1. Dimitar Antonov
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sibylle Schliemann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Dr. Peter Elsner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Dr. Swen-Malte John
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peter Elsner .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Thomas Rustemeyer

  2. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany

    Peter Elsner

  3. Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany

    Swen-Malte John

  4. Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Howard I. Maibach

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this entry

Cite this entry

Antonov, D., Schliemann, S., Elsner, P., John, SM. (2012). Wet Work and Occlusion. In: Rustemeyer, T., Elsner, P., John, SM., Maibach, H.I. (eds) Kanerva's Occupational Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02035-3_74

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02035-3_74

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-02034-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-02035-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation