Research Plus

Healthcare workers’ eczema

Self-reported hand eczema is significantly associated with increased hand washing, both at work and at home, according to this Danish study of 2,269 healthcare workers (HCWs). Hand washing more than 10 times a day was reported by 52% of those with hand eczema, and 43% of those without the condition – despite a recommendation throughout Danish healthcare that HCWs use disinfectants rather than hand washing except when their hands are visibly dirty. Hand eczema prevalence was lower in HCWs using hand moisturisers at work; conversely, those with eczema were more likely to use moisturisers at home. Eczema was not associated with time spent wearing protective gloves or doing wet work, but was associated with having children younger than four years old in the HCW’s household.

Occupational Health at Work June/July 2012 (vol. 09/1) pp40