Abstract
Summary Background Hand eczema is frequent among Danish hairdressers, and they are advised to use gloves as protection. However, studies indicate that a significant proportion use gloves inappropriately. Objectives To determine whether hairdressers and apprentices use protective gloves in the correct way, and to determine whether a demonstration of correct use could cause an improvement. Methods Forty-three hairdressers and apprentices were asked to perform a hair wash while wearing gloves. The shampoo used was contaminated with an ultraviolet (UV) trace material. Two rounds of hair washing were carried out by each person, interrupted by a demonstration of how to use gloves correctly. Photographs were taken to compare UV contamination before and after the demonstration. Results All of the participants (100%) had their hands contaminated during the first round; the area ranged between 0.02 and 101.37 cm2 (median 3.62 cm2). In the second round, 55.8% were contaminated (range 0.00-3.08 cm2; median 0.01 cm2). The reduction in contaminated skin areas was statistically significant (p < 0.001), proving an effect of the glove demonstration. There were no significant differences between hairdressers and apprentices. Conclusions Hairdressers and apprentices lack knowledge on how to handle gloves correctly. A short demonstration of correct glove use made a significant difference in the skin protection provided by gloves.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | Contact Dermatitis |
Vol/bind | 72 |
Udgave nummer | 6 |
Sider (fra-til) | 362-6 |
Antal sider | 5 |
ISSN | 0105-1873 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 1 jun. 2015 |