The skin is the largest human organ.

Anyone who works with their hands often comes into contact with substances that can affect the condition of the skin.

Direct exposure to substances when working with:

• Aqueous media (e.g. cooling lubricants, washing suds)
• Solvents (e.g. thinners, cold cleaners)
• Acids and alkalis
• Metal salt solutions (electroplating)
• dusts
• Synthetic resins

Wearing liquid-tight gloves for long periods of time (wet work)

Different temperatures (heat, cold)

Radiation (UV, infrared, laser, sun)

Exposure to germs (bacteria, viruses, fungi)

"Rough" cleaning of hands and forearms after heavy soiling (abrasives, solvents, brushes)

Mechanical stress

• Frequent handling of sharp-edged parts or metal shavings, frequent mechanical stress on the same areas of skin, e.g. through constantly repetitive hand movements