Florist Jobs - Occupation Skin Health

Florist Jobs - Occupation Skin Health

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The latest figures show that some 29,000 new cases of occupational dermatitis occur each year in the United Kingdom. Within this total, the florist industry is the sector that has the greatest number of reported pro rata new cases. Given their mode and conditions of working, it is not surprising that florists are at high risk.

People with florist jobs should certainly be aware of those risks.

So, for people with florist jobs, what are the chief causes of occupational dermatitis? More importantly, how can they ensure they maintain their skin care?

Dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, results from exposure to skin irritants and allergens. It is also associated with wet work and incorrect skin hygiene routines. All of these factors are prevalent in the florist industry.

Skin irritants are universal. That is, known irritants normally produce a degree of adverse reaction in everyone. Allergens are different in that not everyone may react if exposed to them. In this case, the genetic makeup and personal situation of each individual may be a factor in the presence and extent of the allergy.

Skin irritants and allergens are a constant feature in any florist's normal working day.

Plants that florists will be familiar with, and which are generally accepted as being responsible for dermatitis, are daffodils, primulas, chrysanthemums and dalias. Many skin conditions, including dermatitis, usually respond positively to appropriate self-help remedies and treatment. However, you should consult your doctor if your dermatitis has flared up over a short time period, is widespread, fails to respond to treatment, or if you have other health issue concerns. Sap exuding from cut plant stems is also generally considered to be another potential irritant that can produce an allergic skin reaction. Other suspect substances that a florist can expect to encounter include earth, compost and traces of fertilizers and pesticides.

Allergens carry the unfortunate property that once your skin acquires a reaction to any particular substance it will always be prone to react to that same substance, regardless of how long a period separates each incidence of exposure. In fact, once sensitised, you may find that other areas of your skin becoming sensitive to the same allergen.

Work related dermatitis is regularly connected to, and is often a consequence of, "wet work". Wet work is specifically defined in the United Kingdom by the Health & Safety Executive. Precisely, if your hands are totally submerged in water for more than 2 hours a day, or if your occupational duties necessitate washing your hands 20 or more times during the working day, then you are engaging in wet work. Additionally, occupations that required the frequently handling of damp cloths and materials may be classified as wet work.

It may seem contrary to commonsense but wet work often results in dry skin. However, constantly wetting and washing hands will lead to the outer layer of lipids on your skin being stripped away. The roll of these lipids in maintaining health skin is fundamental. A healthy epidermis retains its suppleness by keeping moisture locked in. The top layer of lipids performs this basic function. So, rather perversely, too much contact with water can result in a drying of the skin.

This brings us to our last point. An incorrect hygiene routine can exacerbate any skin condition. Using harsh soaps and cleansers, or scrubbing with brushes or using coarse towels, are all likely to further damage the skin's own natural protective qualities. In addition, perfume additives in soaps and other skin care products can be another potential source of allergens.

As a florist, you should know that there is a simple daily routine that you can adopt that will help relieve, or even eliminate altogether, occupational dermatitis and related skin problems.

Always be aware of your skin's health. Similar to any other medical condition, if you experience a sudden deterioration or your symptoms are widespread then you should contact your doctor.

About the Author:
With 20 years of experience in the skincare industry, Peter Friswell has shared his knowledge on the informative Derma Shield Skin Care website. Skin irritation can be both annoying and difficult to deal with. See how other people have treated their florist jobs skin conditions.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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