SELECTED HAND SKIN CHARACTERISTICS OF LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICIANS

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 Krakow, 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 (R) PH 905 and Corneometer (R) 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.