Half of UK hairdressers suffer skin problems
Hairdressers - 02/11/2006 12:01:45
Up to 50 per cent of hairdressers in the UK are suffering from serious skin complaints brought on by frequent use of water, chemicals and shampoo.
Health inspectors say the around 50,000 people in the hair industry have dermatitis, which causes painful blisters and swelling on the hands.
Lacors, the health watchdog which has researched the issue, says that the condition causes 230,000 working days a year to be lost.
Geoffrey Theobald, chairman of Lacors, said the disease was a huge problem as it may mean hairdressers become incapable of working.
He added that those in the industry should make sure they cover their hands when using chemicals and follow manufacturer's guidelines on how to handle products.
"Staff who contract the disease often have to leave the profession and find other work," he said.
"Dermatitis can be irreversible and because of the widespread nature of the condition it is often incorrectly regarded as an acceptable occupational hazard."
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