| Popis: |
The skin acts as a protective barrier against a number of hazards within our environment. These hazards can be: chemical, e.g. acids, alkalis, solvents, cutting, or soluble oils; biological, e.g. bacteria, plant allergens, or raw food; or physical, e.g. ultraviolet light, or mechanical shearing forces. In some situations the defensive properties of the skin are exceeded resulting in cuts, grazes, inflammation, ulceration, infection, and occasionally malignant change. The risk factors for breakdown of skin defences can be categorized as: (i) occupational—common at-risk groups are cleaners, food handlers, hairdressers, and workers in contact with cutting fluids; and (ii) non-occupational—where genetic predisposition to skin disorders is an important factor. Workers with non-occupational skin disorders can suffer exacerbations of their underlying dermatological condition in workplaces where the environment is hot and humid or extremely cold or dry. |
