Biomedical subjects

Hans Joachim Schwanitz

Publications and source records attributed to Hans Joachim Schwanitz.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Effects of CO2-enriched water on barrier recovery.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of CO2-enriched water on barrier recovery of detergent-damaged skin compared to tap water employing bioengineering methods and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis of stratum corneum (SC) lipids. Irritation of the skin was elicited on the forearms of 20 volunteers using 1% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). The degree of skin irritation was followed over 10 days in terms of skin colour reflectance (L*a*b*), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin capacitance expressed as median values. For TLC analysis, SC lipids were extracted prior to and during the observation period. Clinical examination showed the efficacy of CO2-enriched water on barrier recovery. Compared to unenriched tap water, CO2-enriched water produced a significant (P < 0.01) increase in total SC lipids and in particular in the ceramide fraction. Furthermore, TEWL was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in skin treated with CO2-enriched water than in skin treated with unenriched water. These findings may indicate that rinsing with CO2-enriched water enhances (1) clinical regeneration of detergent-damaged skin, (2) epidermal lipid synthesis, and (3) barrier repair after detergent-induced perturbation.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Four years of quality assurance of dermatologic procedures: report from the ABD clearing institution].

BACKGROUND: Expert dermatologic evaluation is the most relevant tool for secondary prevention in occupational dermatology in Germany. If there is a possibility of a work-related skin disorder in an employee, dermatologists may conduct the relevant diagnostic procedures (e.g. patch-and prick-tests, serology) at the expenses of the public employers' liability insurance fund (UVT). Most dermatologists make careful use of this unparalleled privilege, which is also an obligation. However, recently, with an increasing number of dermatologist's reports submitted, there have been occasional complaints by the UVT concerning overly extensive testing. In 1999 the Task Force on Occupational and Environmental Dermatology (ABD) of the German Dermatological Society established a clearing procedure. Two experienced occupational dermatologists will--separately--give their expert opinion on dermatologist's reports which have been forwarded anonymously by the UVT for expert review. RESULTS: Thus far, from May 1999 to May 2003 155 dermatologist's reports have been submitted to the clearing procedure. The complaints were in > 95% of cases considered justified by the experts. Their criticism was primarily directed towards excessive testing procedures and failure to provide sufficient clinical information. CONCLUSIONS: The UVT does not undertake such extensive preventive efforts for any other occupational disease. Therefore, quality management of the dermatologist's procedure--conducted by dermatologists and providing transparency--is essential to maintain and develop this effective tool of secondary prevention for the benefit of workers and employers.

Germany↗

PubMed2004

[Quality of life and occupational dermatoses--development and evaluation of a questionnaire assessing quality of life with in patients with occupational dermatoses (LIOD--Life Quality Index Occupational Dermatoses)].

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) is an established parameter in dermatology; it is known that skin diseases can affect QOL adversely. There are no specific questionnaires that consider the consider the effect of occupational factors as triggers for work-related diseases, even though such a questionnaire could link QOL specifically with the work situation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Based on a literature search and the analysis of existing study instruments, a questionnaire reflecting "Life Quality Index Occupational Dermatoses (LIOD)" was developed and studied in four different groups of persons (N = 228) with and without dermatological diseases. RESULTS: Using the "Guidelines for QOL-assessment in dermatological studies", a test comparing LIOD to established instruments showed a reliability quotient of 0.804. Cronsbach's alpha was 0.898. The logical and discriminate validity were tested and found to be significant. Hypotheses that had been devised while developing the test were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: The validated LIOD questionnaire is a valuable addition to existing instruments in dermatology. LIOD may be used to gain data reflecting the efficacy of therapeutic strategies comparable to medical data.

Data Collection↗

PubMed2004

[Tertiary prevention of occupational skin diseases].

BACKGROUND: Inpatient tertiary prevention of occupational skin diseases is indicated when the employee is threatened with loosing their job. Earlier studies have shown that with intensive tertiary preventive measures, 2/3 of such individuals can continue their jobs long-term. Data on the effectiveness of tertiary prevention for various occupational groups has not been previously available. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The outcome of all participants treated in the year 2002 was analyzed according to occupational groups with respect to diagnosis, medical intervention prior and during the inpatient period. RESULTS: In 91% of 296 cases contact dermatitis of the hands was diagnosed (75% primary irritant contact dermatitis (37% chronic irritant contact dermatitis, 38% irritated atopic hand eczema, 16% allergic contact dermatitis). Clinically relevant Type IV-delayed hypersensitivity (allergic contact dermatitis) reactions were identified in 42% of cases; in most cases, the delayed hypersensitivity followed irritant contact dermatitis. In more than 83% of cases, a complete or nearly complete remission was achieved. Clinical relevant Type IV sensitization was most frequent in hairdressers (66%). Cleaning and housekeeping personnel most frequently used corticosteroids on a regular basis (60%) and most often experienced corticosteroid withdrawal (53%) and atrophy of the skin of the hands (23%). CONCLUSION: The data from studies on the tertiary prevention of occupational skin diseases reveal strategies for the optimization of outpatient care indicate specific occupational risk factors. The variance between professions may reflect differing approaches to secondary prevention.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Optimizing skin protection with semipermeable gloves.

BACKGROUND: Occlusion due to gloves is one important cause of glove irritation. Macerated softened skin gives poor protection against microbes and chemical injuries. The introduction of a breathable protective glove material would represent a significant step toward improved prevention of occupational skin disease. OBJECTIVE: Performance levels of semipermeable and occlusive gloves were examined under conditions typical of the hairdressing profession. In two studies, tests comparing breathable semipermeable gloves to single-use gloves made of occlusive materials were conducted. METHODS: In an initial study, a user survey was carried out in conjunction with bioengineering examinations. Values at baseline and values after gloves were worn were recorded by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin humidity (SH), and skin surface hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in 20 healthy volunteers. In a second study, the gloves were tested for penetrability and permeability with three chemical compounds typically used in the hairdressing profession. RESULTS: Bioengineering examination objectively confirmed users' reports of reduced hand perspiration when semipermeable gloves were worn. The TEWL, SH, and skin surface pH values remained largely stable after 20 minutes of wearing semipermeable gloves, in contrast to the reactions observed with gloves of occlusive materials. Permeability tests indicated that the semipermeable material is effective, with some restrictions. Air leakage testing revealed that all 50 gloves tested were not airtight. CONCLUSION: Following the optimization of manufacturing methods, additional tests of the penetrability of semipermeable gloves will be necessary.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Skin care management: educational aspects.

Health education is effective in primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of occupational skin disorders, as clearly demonstrated by interventional studies carried out at the University of Osnabrueck. Health education may intervene with (a) habituated behaviour of affected employees and (b) the condition of working environments. In conclusion, prevention of occupational skin diseases and maintenance of health can be achieved by the conditioning of individual behaviour via specific educational programmes in addition to dermatological care.

Beauty Culture↗