Work-Related Skin Problems

Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and it has important functions. When it’s healthy, your skin helps:

• Regulate your body’s temperature
• Keep invaders like bacteria and fungus out
• Protect you from the elements, such as cold and sun

Your Job & Your Skin

Your skin needs care and protection to stay healthy — at home and at work. Do you work with chemicals or harmful substances? Do you wash your hands often? People who work in these fields are more prone to work-related skin problems:

• Manufacturing
• Food production
• Construction
• Machine tool operation
• Printing
• Metal plating
• Leather processing
• Engine service
• Landscaping
• Farming
• Forestry
• Health care

Healthy Skin at Work

Take precautions to prevent skin irritation and injury at work. If you work with chemicals, follow these steps:

• Store all chemicals safely and label them correctly.
• Use proper waste containers.
• Have a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every dangerous substance used at work.
• Wear protective gear like gloves, aprons, hats and masks.
• Take off oil- or chemical-soaked work clothes before you leave work.
• Know what to do if your skin comes in contact with a harmful substance.
• When possible, use tools to handle dangerous materials so they don’t touch your skin.
• If you work with radiation, wear protective clothing and gear to prevent exposure.

If you wash your hands frequently at work:

• Do not clean your skin with chemicals. Use only cleansers designed for the skin.
• Apply lotion, cream or petroleum jelly after washing hands to prevent dryness, cracking and eczema.

If you work outdoors, take sun protection seriously. Make sure you:

• Apply sunscreen at least every two hours if you’re in the sun.
• Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers your body.