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Review
. 2014 Dec;5(4):175-80.
doi: 10.1016/j.shaw.2014.08.001. Epub 2014 Aug 23.

Wet-work Exposure: A Main Risk Factor for Occupational Hand Dermatitis

Ali Behroozy  1 , Tessa G Keegel  2
Affiliations
Review

Wet-work Exposure: A Main Risk Factor for Occupational Hand Dermatitis

Ali Behroozy et al. Saf Health Work. 2014 Dec.

Abstract

Wet-work can be defined as activities where workers have to immerse their hands in liquids for >2 hours per shift, or wear waterproof (occlusive) gloves for a corresponding amount of time, or wash their hands >20 times per shift. This review considers the recent literature on wet-work exposure, and examines wet-work as a main risk factor for developing irritant contact dermatitis of the hands. The aim of this paper is to provide a detailed description of wet-work exposure among specific occupational groups who extensively deal with water and other liquids in their occupations. Furthermore, it highlights the extent and importance of the subsequent adverse health effects caused by exposure to wet-work.

Keywords: hand eczema; irritants; skin barrier; wet-work.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A schematic view of the development of irritant contact dermatitis. (Adapted and modified from [41]).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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