The skin forms the interface between humans and their environment. As a barrier, it protects the body from harmful influences while being constantly exposed to them itself. Especially in the workplace, the skin is often subjected to significant stress. If it is not adequately protected, skin diseases frequently occur as a result.

With a surface area of around two square meters, the skin is the largest organ of the human body. It is not only the body’s outer covering but also performs a wide range of vital functions. As a barrier, it protects against mechanical, chemical, and thermal influences, reduces the harmful effects of sunlight, and defends against microorganisms. It regulates the body’s heat balance and serves as a storage site for fats, carbohydrates, water, and salts. Essential metabolic processes take place in the skin. Last but not least, it shapes a person’s appearance, giving it a central role in social life and self-perception.

The outermost layer of the skin is the stratum corneum, which serves as a barrier against chemical and physical influences. Water, fat-dissolving substances such as surfactants, and organic solvents loosen the building blocks of the stratum corneum and weaken its barrier function. As a result of this damage, the skin loses increased amounts of water, becomes dry, brittle, and cracked. Harmful substances and potential allergens can penetrate more easily and cause further damage. A healthy stratum corneum continuously regenerates; the dead epithelial cells that compose it are constantly renewed. However, repeated irritation also impairs the skin’s repair mechanisms. Over time, the damage accumulates and a chronic condition may develop.

Occupational skin diseases are among the most common health risks in the workplace. More than 25 percent of all occupational illnesses affect the skin — in the age group of 15 to 25 years, the figure is as high as 90 percent. Many occupational dermatoses take a chronic course, especially if they are not recognized and treated in time. It is estimated that occupational skin diseases, primarily due to productivity loss, cost businesses in Europe more than five billion euros annually, with approximately 1.5 billion euros in Germany alone. Small and medium-sized enterprises are the most affected, as occupational safety and occupational health care are often not optimally organized in these companies.

Absenteeism, retraining, disability, and treatment costs — occupational skin diseases generate high expenses for both the economy and the healthcare system. First and foremost, however, they represent a severe personal burden for those affected, who often can no longer practice their learned profession. Social decline is not uncommon as a result. In addition to work-related issues, patients also suffer from significant limitations in their daily lives. Severe skin diseases impair quality of life to a degree comparable to the consequences of a heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, the disfiguring effect of many dermatoses poses a heavy psychological strain, which can lead to social withdrawal and depression.

The applicable TRGS 401 – Skin Hazards – defines occupational skin protection products as items used within a holistic concept for the prevention of work-related skin diseases, with proven effectiveness and skin compatibility. In addition to protective products, a holistic concept also includes products for skin cleansing and skin care.