S2k guideline occupational skin products: skin protection creams, skin cleansing and skin care products

The AWMF S1 guideline 013/056 "Occupational Skin Products: Protective Creams, Skin Cleansers and Skin Care Products" from 2014 has been revised and upgraded to S2K level. The aim was to develop a decision aid for the optimal use of occupational skin products for the prevention of hand eczema in the workplace. The multidisciplinary expert commission included representatives from dermatology, occupational medicine and dermopharmaceutical societies, as well as from German Social Accident Insurance. The update was conducted through a non-systematic review of current (inter)national scientific literature, focusing on randomized controlled clinical trials. The revised guideline integrates: (1) epidemiological studies demonstrating the effectiveness of skin protection and care, (2) results from the Cochrane Review on the primary prevention of occupational hand eczema, (3) skin physiological multicenter studies on the application and benefits of skin protection creams and the tolerability of skin cleansing products, (4) specific investigations on wet work, and (5) current positions on aluminum chlorohydrate and contact allergens based on opinions of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK). The recommendations and key statements were agreed upon in a structured consensus conference using a nominal group process under professional moderation. The S2K guideline aims to improve the prevention of occupational hand eczema and promote the health of employees.