Dermatitis

Nearly three-quarters of hairdressers have suffered from dermatitis at some point in their career, and with hairdressers 17 times more likely to develop the skin condition than any other group, it's a problem for both sufferers and salon owners. Dermatitis is painful and not just for those with the condition - your business could feel the pain too. Staff with dermatitis will have to take time off work and, in the most severe cases, leave the industry. Prevention is better than cure and, as a salon owner, you owe it to your staff and business to ensure they're protected.What Is Dermatitis? Work-related dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that leaves skin prone to dryness, redness, itching, flaking, cracking and blistering. There are two types: irritant-contact dermatitis and allergic-contact dermatitis. Irritant-contact dermatitis can develop after only a few contacts with chemicals - such as bleach - but most commonly develops gradually through frequent wet working or working with milder chemicals such as shampoo. Likewise, allergic-contact dermatitis can develop after only a few contacts with shampoos and colours, but it can take months, sometimes years, for the allergy to develop. Once somebody has an allergy they will have it for life and it can not only hinder work, but home life too as the sufferer can develop allergies to domestic cleaning products and shampoo, for example. Okay, I Know What It Is, But What Next? The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has teamed up with local authorities, the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (Habia) and the National Hairdressers' Federation (NHF) to raise awareness of dermatitis in the hairdressing industry. As part of the Bad Hand Day campaign, UK salons will be contacted by local government health and safety inspectors to arrange a visit to the salon or to notify salon owners of seminars running in the area that highlight the dangers of dermatitis and how salon owners can work to prevent it. What Practical Steps Need To Be Taken? Hairdressing is all about education and the issue of dermatitis is no different. The HSE has put together five easy steps for hairdressers to follow to help prevent dermatitis. It's up to you to stress the importance of following the correct procedure and ensure it is adhered to. NHF general secretary Ray Seymour says: "Employers have a responsibility to look after the health and welfare of their staff and to provide personal protective equipment, ie gloves." And it's not just up to salon owners to do their bit. "Employees are required to use the equipment provided in the salon, but far too many hairdressers are ignoring this requirement," he adds. Make your team aware that they should be: 1. Wearing disposable non-latex gloves when rinsing, shampooing, colouring, bleaching and cleaning spills. Choosing the right glove is imperative. Gloves containing latex can cause further reactions, including anaphylactic shock and asthma, in staff and clients. A longer-length glove is best as this can be folded back to prevent water running down the arms. You need to supply gloves in an assortment of sizes to ensure everyone's gloves are a good fit. 2. Drying hands thoroughly with a soft cotton or paper towel. Make sure you have a constant supply of cotton or paper towels near the sink and encourage staff to dry hands properly even if they are in a hurry. 3. Moisturising with fragrance-free hand cream at the start and end of each day. Supply a good moisturiser and ensure staff know how to apply it properly. 4. Changing gloves between clients. Ensure the team are aware of how to remove their gloves properly. Gloves should be peeled down from the cuff, avoiding contact between bare skin and used gloves. Hands should be given the opportunity, where possible, to breathe before replacing used gloves with fresh ones. 5. Aware of the symptoms of dermatitis and checking hands regularly for the early signs. Ensure staff are aware of what dermatitis looks like so they can identify its onset. Changing Habits and Dispelling Myths Has your team ever told you that their clients object to gloves, or have you assumed that supplying gloves would be an expensive exercise? Breaking bad habits and dispelling the myths surrounding the use of gloves is all part of the education process - for you and your team. The HSE has put right some of the most common myths. Myth 1: Gloves snag clients' hair Truth: This is unlikely if you choose a smooth, non-latex, longer-length, glove that fits well. Myth 2: Clients don't like gloves Truth: Explain to a client why gloves are important and what the consequences could be if they're not worn. A client is more likely to want a gloved hand treating their hair then one with peeling, flaking and cracked skin. Myth 3: Gloves are expensive Truth: A pair of gloves costs less than 10p but the cost of dermatitis is considerable. If you lose staff to sickness or through leaving, you could lose clients as well. Myth 4: Gloves make it difficult to detect water temperature Truth: Modern gloves are thin enough to detect water temperature, but again, a good fit is essential. Myth 5: Hand creams act as barriers Truth: here are no true barrier creams as chemicals can always get to the skin. Myth 6: Skin gets tougher if you don't wear gloves Truth: Tough and hardened skin is damaged skin. Hard skin will not prevent dermatitis.