Bad Hand Day? - Dermatitis in Hairdressers Campaign

Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin and can vary in severity. Typical symptoms are dryness, itching, redness, swelling, blistering, cracking, flaking and bleeding of the skin. Work-related contact dermatitis can be caused by the skin coming into contact with chemicals, frequent contact with water, biological agants, physical agents, and mechanical abrasion.

The dermatitis campign this year is concentrating on hairdressers, as up to 70% of hairdressers suffer some form of skin damage. In 07/08 there will be a dermatitis campaign for the catering industry during routine food hygiene inspections.

From 20th November 2006 "Bad Hand Day?" packs and a dermatitis questionnaire are to be distributed to all hairdressers within the Charnwood borough. In January / February 2007, approximatley 30 follow up visits to hairdressers will be carried out.

The key messages of the campaign are as follows;

• Wear disposable non-latex gloves when using products such as shampoo, colours and bleaches.

• Always dry your hands thoroughly with a soft cotton or paper towel.

• Moisturise with hand cream after washing your hands and at the start and end of the day.

• Always throw away gloves between clients.

• Check your skin regularly for early signs of dermatitis.

For further information visit the HSE "Bad Hand Day?" Campaign website.