Accessibility statement

Skin Problems

Work related skin problems can affect people in a wide range of occupations, including those working in laboratory / horticultural research facilities.  Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common skin condition that has affected a number of workers in the Department in recent years.  

The main cause of this condition in these workers is:

  • reaction to rubber chemicals present in gloves
  • having wet skin through frequent hand washing and / or glove use

Reducing risk of skin problems:

  • avoid unnecessary use of gloves
  • replace latex gloves with safer alternatives (typically nitrile, but note that nitrile glove use also cause skin problems)
  • use recommended protective skin creams for higher risk activities (e.g. horticultural and mechanical workshop activities where hands can be frequently exposed to water / oils)

Reporting a skin problem:

  • report problem to your line manager in the first instance