Concerning the duration of the eczema,
88% were of a duration longer than 2 years
(95% men and 94% women), 12% were of a
duration shorter than 2 years, and 5% started
during the last 6 months.
31 of 43 persons with eczema (72%) acquired
their skin complaint during their occupation
as a cleaner. In 12, the eczema had
started in a previous job, but one had changed
occupation because of it.
The major part of all cleaning work is performed
manually with very frequent and intensive
contact with water. All persons with eczema
were asked about using some kind of
protection during and/or after work. (A special
hand cream is provided by the hospital and
gloves are available where they are needed.)
Table 7 shows that gloves were not used
very frequently (23%). Hand cream was used
more often, during as well as after work.
Women used hand creams more than men, and
particularly more drug store products