What advice should I provide to patients regarding the prevention of contact dermatitis in occupational settings?

To prevent contact dermatitis in occupational settings, patients should be advised on several key measures:

• Identify and Avoid Triggers: The most crucial step is to identify and eliminate exposure to potential stimuli that cause contact dermatitis ¹. If complete avoidance is not possible, advise measures to minimise contact with affected skin areas ¹. This includes rinsing with water or washing with soap or a soap substitute as soon as possible after contact, being mindful that overuse of cleaning agents can aggravate the condition ¹. Patients should also substitute products containing identified allergens or irritants with alternatives that do not ¹.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Advise the use of gloves, such as cotton-lined rubber or plastic, when handling potential irritants ¹. For certain chemicals, heavier-duty protective materials may be required ¹. Gloves should be removed frequently, as sweating can worsen existing dermatitis ¹. Patients should also avoid the accumulation of chemicals and water underneath jewellery ¹.
• Maintain Skin Barrier with Emollients: Encourage the liberal use of emollients and soap substitutes to help maintain skin hydration and improve barrier repair ¹. Regular application of an emollient hand cream can protect skin from the drying effects of frequent hand decontamination ². Patients should be advised not to use aqueous cream as it is associated with a high risk of skin reactions ¹.
• Understand Employer Responsibilities: If contact dermatitis is confirmed to be work-related, the employer has a legal obligation to assess health risks and prevent or control exposure to hazards, for example, by changing duties or providing suitable personal protective measures ¹. The employer also has a legal duty to report cases of occupational contact dermatitis to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ¹. Patients can find further information on work-related skin problems on the HSE website ¹. If a specific soap, antimicrobial hand wash, or alcohol product causes skin irritation, an occupational health team should be consulted ².