Evaluation of a non occlusive polymers ointment in a series of 71 cases of irritant contact dermatitis in building workers

Introduction Skin barrier rupture is one of the main physiopathology elements in irritant contact dermatitis. Its treatment involves – beside specific etiological and drug treatment – the use of topical insulating creams with specific composition in order to restore and protect the damaged skin. Objectives To assess the efficacy and tolerance of an ointment (BARIEDERM Ointment for Fissures, Cracks, Laboratoires Dermatologiques d’Uriage) based on non occlusive polymers, in a series of patients with occupational, chronic and fissured hands irritant contact dermatitis, in the construction and public works sectors. Methods In this observational, descriptive and prospective study were included adult patients with the diagnosis of occupational chronic irritant contact dermatitis, of the hands with fissures. Investigating doctors were 16 specialists in occupational diseases practicing in Northern France. The ointment was applied on the affected areas of the hands minimum twice per day during 3 weeks, the clinical assessment was made at baseline and at week 3. Results Seventy-one building workers with a mean age of 42 (19–63), with chronic irritant contact dermatitis of an average evolution (hand lesions) of 7 years were included. The professions were bricklayers (28%), roofers (11.3%), concrete shutters (9.9%) and labourers (8.4%), working in wet conditions (75% of cases), in contact with cement (65%). The specific ointment was applied twice per day for 17 days on average. A daily protection by gloves was associated in 55% of cases. A significant improvement of skin fissures and cracks was seen at week 3 compared to baseline (P < 0.001), with a dramatic improvement of symptoms (pruritus, pain) and reduction of functional impairment. “Total clearance” or “a very important improvement” was seen in 72.7% of cases. Conclusion A non-occlusive polymer ointment used in a series of 72 patients with chronic, fissured, irritant occupational contact dermatitis improved skin lesions in 72.7% of cases. This ointment associated with glove protection represented a useful adjuvant treatment especially for the building workers population.