ORIGINAL PAPER
Selected hand skin characteristics of laboratory diagnosticians
 
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1
Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. B. Czecha w Krakowie / University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland (Instytut Nauk Podstawowych, Wydział Rehabilitacji Ruchowej / Institute of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Rehabilitation)
 
2
Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. B. Czecha w Krakowie / University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland (Koło Naukowe przy Zakładzie Chemii i Biochemii / Science Club at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry)
 
 
Online publication date: 2020-10-08
 
 
Corresponding author
Anna Piotrowska   

Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. B. Czecha w Krakowie, Instytut Nauk Podstawowych, Wydział Rehabilitacji Ruchowej, al. Jana Pawła II 78, 31-571 Kraków
 
 
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2020;71(6):725-34
 
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ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic skin exposure to a wet work environment, as well as disinfectants are factors contributing to epidermal barrier damage. This disturbs its protective functions and promotes the development of dermatoses. All these factors occur in the work environment of a laboratory diagnostician. The aim of the paper was to analyze selected skin parameters and skin lesions in the hands of laboratory diagnosticians. Material and Methods: Overall, 50 laboratory diagnosticians employed in a laboratory in Kraków, Poland, took part in the study. After the interview, the skin pH and moisture content were examined. Measurements were performed on the dorsal side of the dominant hand using the Skin-ph-Meter® PH 905 and Corneometer® CM 825 devices. Results: The obtained moisture level values were qualified as dry or very dry skin, and the skin pH was within the reference range. No correlation between the skin pH value and the features examined (professional experience, the number of hours spent in protective gloves during the day, the number of hand washing episodes during the day) was not indicated. The level of skin moisture content seems to positively correlate with the time of wearing gloves. The use of hand moisturizers after each hand washing episode correlated with the level of skin moisture content. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, this professional group has been facing huge challenges, and mental and physical stressors (including wet work environment) will be the source of future occupational diseases. Med Pr. 2020;71(6):725–34
eISSN:2353-1339
ISSN:0465-5893
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