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Skin under pressure: Hand dermatitis rises as hygiene demands intensify for healthcare workers

MUN Australia

Key Facts:

• Dermatitis is one of the most common occupational skin conditions, causing redness, itching, dryness and irritation.
• Frequent handwashing, disinfectant use, prolonged glove wear and “wet work” are key contributors.
• Rates of hand dermatitis in healthcare workers have risen from around 21% pre-pandemic to over 37%.
• Colloidal oatmeal can help reduce irritation, improve hydration and support skin recovery.
• MUN Australia highlights solutions like COATS gloves and skincare to support protection and skin health during extended use.

Dermatitis can cause redness, itching, dryness, cracking and irritation, and is recognised as one of the most common occupational skin conditions affecting healthcare workers. Frequent handwashing, disinfectant use and prolonged glove wear are key contributors. “Wet work” remains a primary risk factor (Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 2023).

Recent research also points to rising prevalence. A 2024 study found rates of hand dermatitis among healthcare workers have increased from around 21% pre-pandemic to more than 37%. (Safety and Health at Work, 2024).

“As workers across healthcare and other industries rely on gloves and hand hygiene throughout long shifts, equipment that supports both protection and skin health becomes increasingly important" says MUN Australia Country Director Leonard Brown.

MUN Australia highlights colloidal oatmeal as one approach to supporting skin health. The ingredient contains avenanthramides, beta glucan and antioxidants, which research shows can help reduce irritation, improve hydration and support skin recovery.

Colloidal oatmeal is incorporated into the lining of the GloveOn COATS glove range. The inner lining forms a barrier between the skin and glove material while helping maintain moisture. It is part of the Colloidal Oatmeal Active Therapeutic System (COATS), designed to support hydration during extended wear.

The COATS range is endorsed by the Eczema Association of Australia following independent testing in September 2024 with individuals with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Complementing glove use, MUN Australia also offers PrimeOn COATS plant-based hand and body wash formulations to support skin hydration during frequent washing.

While often associated with hospitals, occupational dermatitis affects workers across many industries, including aged care, laboratories, food processing, manufacturing, beauty services and industrial settings.

Experts say improved product design, education and skin protection strategies can help reduce the burden of dermatitis for workers who rely on gloves every day.

 

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About us:

MUN Australia is a supplier of premium healthcare and personal protective equipment (PPE), providing high-quality protective solutions to healthcare and industrial sectors across Australia. The company is committed to innovation, reliability, and sustainability, supporting safer environments for healthcare professionals, patients, and communities.

Contact details:

Tanya Chamberland
Marketing Specialist, MUN Australia

+614 47 288 897 

[email protected]