Metal Machining
Among tool operators, there are 56 cases of contact eczema per 100,000 per year, and 34 cases per 100,000 per year among machine tool setters. Of 163 metalworkers who completed a written questionnaire and underwent a clinical examination and patch testing, 14.1% (23) were diagnosed with work-related contact eczema.
Causes
It’s hardly surprising as metal machining involves the use of large quantities of chemicals and fluids that are often applied in a continuous jet or spray, which can cause hand eczema if the skin is exposed.
Tips to protect your hands against eczema
If you work in the metal machining industry, there are some simple things you can do to help protect your hands against eczema:
- Limit your contact with substances that may cause hand eczema
- Reduce your chance of being splashed by using properly-designed splash guards
- Use pre-work creams to help make removing fluids easier, as well as after-work creams, but remember that these don’t provide a barrier, and are no substitute for gloves
- Wear appropriate protective gloves
- Protect your hands by moisturising them regularly with an emollient (soothing and softening skin product), but use a product that is free from fragrances and preservatives - the fewer ingredients, the better
If you haven’t done so already, why not complete the my hand eczema questionnaire to find out more about your hand eczema, and to let us know what type of work you do?
We will update the website to show how many people in different professions suffer from hand eczema. You could help other people in your profession find out whether their job is commonly linked to hand eczema and reassure them that they are not alone.