December/January 2011/2012 (vol. 08/4)

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Dermatitis in healthcare workers

A systematic review on the management of occupational dermatitis in healthcare workers finds a lack of high-quality evidence. There is consistent evidence for an increased risk of bacterial colonisation of skin affected by dermatitis but insufficient evidence on the risk of transmission to patients. There is some evidence that good hand care, including education, improves skin condition of those with dermatitis, and limited evidence that alcohol-based rubs are less damaging than antiseptic hand washes or soap. Early, aggressive management of dermatitis, plus restrictions on work with patients susceptible to infection are suggested.

Occupational & Environmental Medicine 2011; online first: doi:10.1136/oemed-2011-100315

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Occupational Health at Work December/January 2011/2012 (vol. 08/4) pp40