Abstract for Vendor Talk 1.1

 

 

Incorporating Skin Condition Measurements into a Skin Health Assessment System

H.E. Packham, EnviroDerm Services, Evesham, UK and London South Bank University, London, UK

Skin health assessment and surveillance is in some cases a legal requirement but in all cases it makes economic sense because it ensures that any system to manage skin in the workplace is effective. For many years the techniques available for skin health assessment have been focused on visual assessment. Whilst this can be very effective for identifying clinical signs of problems it does little for identifying sub-clinical indications. Thus, we are always dealing with problems rather than preventing them. Preventing problems is a much more effective approach of reducing ill health due to skin exposure not only because it is far easier to prevent skin problems than it is to cure them, particularly as there may be no cure, but also a skin that is damaged is not functioning correctly and may lead to enhanced penetration of harmful substances (systemic toxins, sensitizers, bacteria, viruses, etc.).

For many years equipment has been available for cosmetic and dermatology research to assess skin condition, damage to skin from contact with substances, and recovery times. This equipment, however, was not readily available to the health and safety profession because of equipment complexity and cost. It is now in a more readily available format for use in health and safety.

This presentation outlines the use of this equipment and how it can be integrated into a skin health assessment system. The use of this equipment, along with questionnaires and visual assessment, can provide an effective means of assessing skin health and also raise awareness which ultimately leads to better workforce compliance.

 

Content last modified: 30 April 2005

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