A Major Occupational Health Problem Introduction Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition characterized by itching, redness, cracks, dryness and pain. Generally, contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to detergents or solvents or by sensitization after repeated exposure. Even repeated exposure to mild soaps and water can cause such irritation. The increased skin humidity associated with prolonged glove use, can also cause irritant contact dermatitis. In these cases the irritant induces an allergic response as is commonly seen among health care workers with a hypersensitivity to latex gloves.
Incomplete hand drying after washing can exacerbate skin irritation.
Nurses reported hand washing as the major contributor to the condition of their skin. Nurses who use antimicrobial soaps were more likely to have skin damage than nurses using non-antimicrobial soaps or antimicrobial washes. Risks Due to Exposure Contact dermatitis itself is not a contagious condition and does not pose a direct risk to other staff and patients. However, a consequence of contact dermatitis is an increased risk of microorganisms, yeasts, and bacteria carried on the skin as well as an increased risk of shedding these microorganisms. Consequently without treatment, cross-infections by hospital staff with contact dermatitis to patients and other staff are possible.