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Skin problems are one of the most frequent causes to work related illnesses. It is important to have a fundamental knowledge about the skin in order to be able to understand what can happen and how to prevent it.
The essential function of the skin is to protect the rest of the body against the many external influences which it is daily exposed to. For an optimum protection it is important that the skin is in perfect health.
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The skin of an adult has a total surface
of approx 2m2 |
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Weigts about 1/6 of the total body weight |
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and is about 1-4 mm thin |
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The skin consist of 3 layers:
Epidermis: a horny layer of dead cells which are continuously rejected from the surface.
Corium: consist of the seed layer where new cells continuously are being build.
Subcutis: works as a water- and blood reservoir. The subcutis contains a fatty layer protecting the skin against pushes, pressures and cold and sebaceous glands whose sebaceous fat protects against chemical damages.
Together with the sweat secretion the fat content of the skin forms a kind of biological acid barrier which protects the skin. Under normal circumstances the skin is able to protect itself.
Skin impact
Continuous and strong influences from e.g. the daily work can cause an imbalance to a degree that makes it impossible for the skin to re-establish its balance. This can be the beginning of skin problems which is shown through dry, rough and cracked skin. At worst it can result in more serious work related skin diseases.
Be aware that the reaction of the skin is different from person to person and that the vulnerability of the skin can change over time!
Eczema
There are two kinds of eczema:
Irritative contact eczema: An eczema accurring after contact with substances which are directly irritating or very degreasing to the skin. This type of eczema occurs in 80-85% of all cases.
Allergic contact eczema: An eczema occuring due to hypersensitivity towards a certain material. This type of eczema occurs in 10-15% of all cases.
A doctor should be consulted in cases of eczema. We are not able to treat such cases. By offering products straining the skin as little as possible and keeping the natural protection function of the skin we can help prevent the work related skin diseases.
Each year the work related skin sufferings is of great expence to both society and economic life. At the same time the sufferings are related to great costs both personel and psycialogicaly for the exposed.
Prevention
Through a thorough choice and use of skin care products and cleansers the safety of the skin is optimized and the extent of the skin problems at work are being limited.
A frequent use of effective skin care increases the regeneration of the skin and keeps the skin healthy, smooth and more resistant.
Skin cleansers are straining to the skin. But they are a necessity. After work it is important that the skin is completely cleaned with as mild a cleanser as possible.
An optimum hand hygiene consist of 3 parts:
Skincare before and during work - adapted the daily influences
Skin cleaning - a mild but effective soap or cleanser
Skincare after work - with a regenerative effect
Contact Plum A/S and get a professionel advising about the skin safety at your work.
Prevention is better than recovery!!
The 3-step programme from Plum -
