There are few available data about assessing
prevalence of skin diseases in different
occupations in Poland. We expected the problem
of OSDs to be rather neglected especially since
in Poland dermatoses are the fifth most common
occupational disease. Our survey showed that
healthcare workers were the most exposed
occupational group. Sixty-seven percent of
midwives, 64% of dentists, 51% of nurses and
41% of physicians reported skin disorders. About
30% of healthcare workers reported problems
with latex gloves. About 30% of metal factory
workers, 40% of food services workers, 24% of
textile factory workers, 21% of hair stylists and
beauticians and 64% of cleaners reported skin
manifestations during their time of employment,
which they thought could be work-related.
Dryness, redness, scaling and itching were the
main skin symptoms of OSDs. Only in a few
cases did die workers mention that they used skin
protection measures, creams they thought were
barrier creams.
This survey proved that working conditions
caused OSDs in workers in different occupations
on a considerable scale. Especially since
according to NOSQ experts underestimation of
the data obtained from the questionnaires can be
expected.
Skin can be protected at exposed workplaces
if protection measures and programmes are
applied sufficiently and consistently. This is
sometimes difficult. Various studies have shown
that success in preventing OSDs is possible with
intervention measures, which include training
in skin protection. However, knowledge alone
does not automatically lead to a change in
attitudes, and this in turn may not automatically
lead to a change in behaviour. Generating health
protection behaviour is in fact a very complex
process. Typical goals, contents and methods
should be given for practical training which
would allow head, heart and hand learning [20].
To appreciate the problem that skin diseases
affect people of all ages and in all areas of life
various prevention campaigns took place in the
EU in 2007–2008. The objective of “It’s in your
hands” in the UK was to significantly reduce the
incidence of work-related dermatitis. A healthyskin
campaign “Your skin. The most important
2 m2 in your life” was organized in Germany,
France, Spain and Italy. Their goal was to reach
the greatest possible number of people and to
motivate them to give greater consideration
to how they treat their skin. Pre- and postcampaign
surveys in the wider population on skin
protection were organized, too.
We would like to raise interest in work-related
dermatitis and to initiate a comprehensive
analysis of the prevalence of OSDs in Poland
by dermatologists and occupational physicians.
Medical diagnosis and confirmation of
occupational skin disorders and diseases require
assessment by healthcare professionals. It is
necessary, as part of early detection, to carry out
regular skin checks to identify cases of dermatitis
and ensure that these controls are working.
The main aim should be to prevent the
occurrence of OSDs on the basis of accurate risk
assessment, and to use and maintain appropriate
control measures, information, instruction
and training in the form of, e.g., a programme
promoting skin protection. Effective prevention of
skin diseases requires a combination of technical
methods (gloves and skin protection measures,
organizational changes), substitution of substances
with skin-damaging properties and automatization
to minimize the skin’s exposure to risk factors.
These activities will result in a decrease in
psychological and financial losses caused by
treatment, absenteeism and disability pensions.