Barrier damaging effects of n-propanol in occlusion-modified tandem repeated irritation test: Modulation by exposure factors and atopic skin disease.

Background: Recent studies provide evidence for significant and previously underestimated barrier damaging effects of repeated exposure to 60% n-propanol in healthy skin in vivo.

Objectives: To investigate further the cumulative effects of a range of n-propanol concentrations relevant at the workplace in healthy and atopic dermatitis (AD) individuals, and study the modulation of the outcomes by co-exposure and host-related factors.

Methods: Healthy adult and AD volunteers were exposed to n-propanol concentrations from 30% to 75% in occlusion-modified tandem repeated irritation test with measurements of erythema, transepidermal water loss, capacitance, and the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) levels at baseline and after 96 hours.

Effectiveness of a skin care programme for the prevention of contact dermatitis in healthcare workers (the Healthy Hands Project): A single-centre, cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of developing hand dermatitis (HD). Guidelines recommend moisturizers to prevent HD, but in practice their effectiveness has been poorly investigated.

Objectives: To assess whether an intervention aimed at improving skin care leads to a reduction in HD severity.

Evaluating the effect of electronic monitoring and feedback on hand cream use in healthcare workers: Healthy Hands Project.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing hand dermatitis (HD). Current guidelines on HD prevention recommend the use of emollients; however, in practice, adherence is poor.

Objective: To assess whether the provision of creams, electronic monitoring and feedback on cream consumption can improve skin care in HCWs.

Statistical analysis plan for the Healthy Hands Project; single centre cluster-randomised clinical trial of a skin care program for the prevention of contact dermatitis in health care workers.

Background: The Healthy Hands Project (HHP) is a randomised clinical trial aiming to determine the effectiveness of an intervention program in the prevention of hand dermatitis in healthcare workers (HCWs). The intervention is comprised of placing dispensers with hand creams on wards combined with continuous electronic monitoring of cream consumption and regular feedback to HCWs. The clinical severity (HECSI score) was used as the primary outcome and natural moisturising factor (NMF) levels as the secondary outcome.

Specific barrier response profiles after experimentally induced skin irritation in vivo.

Background: Recently, natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) and corneocyte surface topography were suggested as biomarkers for irritant dermatitis.

Objectives: To investigate how exposure to different irritants influences corneocyte surface topography, NMF levels and the barrier function of human skin in vivo.

Methods: Eight healthy adult volunteers were exposed to aqueous solutions of 60% n-propanol, 0.

The effectiveness of a skin care program for the prevention of contact dermatitis in health care workers (the Healthy Hands Project): study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: Health care workers (HCW) are at high risk for developing occupational hand dermatitis (HD) due to frequent exposure to 'wet work'. Amongst HCWs, nurses are at highest risk, with an estimated point prevalence of HD ranging between 12 and 30%. The burden of disease is high with chronicity, sick leave, risk of unemployment and impaired quality of life.