Biophysical Techniques for the Evaluation of Skin Protective Creams

Abstract

Irritant contact dermatitis is a major problem in occupational dermatology. While acute severe irritant reactions due to caustic chemicals have become relatively rare, an equally serious danger arises from moderate and low level irritants producing a cumulative insult type contact dermatitis after weeks or months of exposure. Chronic irritant contact dermatitis is very frequent in hairdressers, health care personnel, food handlers, construction workers, and employees of the metal industry [7]. While gloves and other protective garments are regularly worn when severely irritating substances such as concentrated acids or alkalis are handled, this is usually not the case with low level irritants. In many professions it is impossible to wear gloves because of the loss of dexterity. Furthermore, many workers develop a dyshidrotic eczema due to the continuous occlusion when wearing gloves.