Save Your Skin: Dermatitis An Itchy Fact Of Life

The second type, contact dermatitis, results from exposure to a skin irritant like detergent.

Save your skin: Dermatitis an itchy fact of life in Southern Colorado - Red, swollen and itchy is unpleasant skin to be in. Inflammation of the skin, or dermatitis, can have many causes and occur in many forms. It can make life miserable but isn’t contagious and usually isn’t life-threatening. It’s a scourge that plagues dry-skinned people — which is just about everybody at this time of year in arid Southern Colorado.

Dermatitis occurs in two basic types, says Dr. Sharon Kessler, a Pueblo dermatologist. There’s atopic, from the Greek for “hypersensitivity,” and there’s contact. “Atopic dermatitis is also called eczema; it’s exactly the same disease,” Kessler says. “It tends to be genetic, tends to cluster in families. There are three genes for it, all closely linked on the same chromosome.” People with atopic dermatitis often have asthma or hay fever as well. While there’s a genetic predisposition, exposure to environmental factors such as dryness, dust and pets, especially cats, can trigger atopic dermatitis.

The second type, contact dermatitis, results from exposure to a skin irritant like detergent or an allergen like poison ivy. Again, it’s not totally clear-cut, Kessler says, as some people may be genetically predetermined to be sensitive to nickel, for example, and break out in a rash if they wear nickel-containing jewellery.

Harsh climate a factor

Dr. Michael Babcock, a dermatologist who practices both in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, says he sees more people with atopic and dry skin dermatitis than contact dermatitis. “A lot of people who relocate here from elsewhere, from the South or the coasts, come in with a weird rash that’s a form of eczema. They’ve been susceptible to it all along but it didn’t appear until they were here” in Colorado’s harsh climate.

For people with mild eczema, some education and over-the-counter products often are the answer, he says. More severe cases may require medication. Babcock says he likes to joke with patients that he has a cure for their dermatitis: a first-class trip to Hawaii once a month.

Skin is a good barrier. If intact, it keeps out toxic agents, but if it’s broken, “all sorts of things can be a problem.”

Skin as barrier

Kessler says the three main offenders in contact dermatitis are grease-cutting dish detergent, furniture polish with lemon oil and window cleaner with ammonia.

“I see a lot of hand dermatitis, usually in women and particularly in winter before Christmas when they’ve been cleaning house like crazy,” Kessler says. “I always ask them if they’re using (brand name) detergent or any lemon-scented products or ones with ammonia. These change the environment so much it allows the skin to crack.”

Skin is a good barrier. If intact, it keeps out toxic agents, but if it’s broken, “all sorts of things can be a problem,” she says.

So what’s a person to do? Keep the skin from getting excessively dry. Kessler advises drinking lots of water; taking cooler showers — even though hot water may feel soothing to irritated skin; minimizing the use of soap — “Water is the universal solvent”; and applying a good-quality moisturizer right after bath or shower while the skin is still well-hydrated. She recommends using a thick cream rather than a thin lotion and choosing a product that contains alpha hydroxy acids.

Preservatives a problem

Babcock says people have become more aware that chemicals in products can cause skin problems, but they always think it’s the fragrance or because they changed products. “The most common cause of contact dermatitis is preservatives — parabens and formaldehyde derivatives,” he says. “Fragrance is the next most common.”

Antibiotic ointments also can cause problems. “One of the things everyone says is, ‘I’ve used X, Y or Z product forever.’ What you have to remember is a company can change its product ingredients at any time, and a person can develop sensitivity over time. You have to have exposure in order to have sensitivity.”

Dermatitis data

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic skin disease that’s most common in babies and children but can occur at any age. This red, itchy rash occurs on the face, scalp, hands and feet in infants, and where the skin flexes inside the elbows or behind the knees in older people. Skin changes can include blisters that ooze and crust, dry skin all over, raw skin from scratching, and leathery areas that occur after long-term irritation and scratching. Atopic dermatitis can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. It can get worse, improve and then flare up again.

Contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to an irritant or an allergen and it causes red, sore or inflamed skin. Itching — sometimes severe — is common and a rash can occur; the rash may have bumps that become blisters. It often shows up on the hands, although hair products, cosmetics and perfumes can lead to reactions on the face, head and neck. Skin may become inflamed with long-term exposure to an irritant.

Also see: Dry, Cracked & Chapped Window Cleaners Hands, Fingers & Skin 

Dry, Cracked & Chapped Window Cleaners Hands, Fingers & Skin

The winter months usually mean dry, cracked, and sometimes bloody hands and skin for many window cleaners, especially for those living in cold, dry climates. Unfortunately, hot showers and hand-washing are two activities that cause significantly dry skin. Regular lotion doesn't really do the trick, it doesn't really take care of the deep, persistent dryness that sets in after a few weeks of cold weather. The best strategy has been to invest in a really good, heavy-duty lotion at the beginning of the season and begin applying it a night before bed. Dry chapped hands, it is one of the biggest skin problems in the winter season. These are caused due to reduced water and moisture content of the body due to harsh cold weather. The skin surface only holds a certain amount of water and moisture, and when it's exposed to extreme cold conditions, water content decreases and this results in dry, uncomfortable itchy hands. If chapped hands are not cured, window cleaners may face difficulty in doing work without gloves and bacteria may enter the skin cracks causing eczema or other skin infections. A little knowledge will help you to get off all these problems due to dry skin. Drink a lot of water to moisturize from within! Here are a few lotions that may help:

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream - A hand lotion for use during the day. This clinically proven, highly concentrated formula rapidly heals dry hands. It noticeably improves the look and feel of your skin. Hands feel soft and smooth after just one application. Available in Original and Fragrance-free.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: A super-smoothing--and best-selling--synergy of 20% Shea Butter, honey and sweet almond extract, blended with the light and alluring aromas of jasmine and ylang-ylang essences. Texturally pleasing balm glides on and absorbs to help heal and protect dry or dehydrated skin. Anti-oxidizing vitamin E helps nourish. Invites even the most hard-working hands to a fresh beginning.

Lush's Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter - From Lush. Rub in as much of this lemon-scented lotion as your cuticles, knuckles, and fingers will take before you go to bed at night. inside is a thick, nourishing butter that moisturizes the hardest areas – elbows, heels, cuticles and nails. You just need a tiny dab (one pot lasts us months) of this rich lemon cream. Rub the Shea butter, cold pressed avocado oil and mango butters in to moisturize and nourish skin. Massage a bit in daily and you won't have to deal with hangnails and cracked skin any longer!

Intense relief hand cream from Aveeno: This unique, non-greasy and fragrance free hand cream is specially formulated with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal and rich emollients to help heal dry skin and form a protective glove against the elements. Unlike ordinary hand creams, Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream protects and moisturizes skin for 24 hours and even lasts through hand washing.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream - Pumpkin Seed Oil, rich in fatty acids, combines with Olive Oil and Wheat Germ Extract to hydrate and nourish dry skin. Protein-rich Bee Pollen nourishes and rejuvenates, while emollient Beeswax holds in essential moisture.

Sudocrem Antiseptic healing cream: Sudocrem is made up in a base with water-repellent properties which form a protective barrier, therefore helping to stop any irritants (urine and stools) coming into contact with the skin. In addition, the emollient effect can help to soothe sore inflamed skin whilst leaving the skin feeling soft. Sudocrem’s formulation helps to reduce the risk of infection and contains a mild local anaesthetic to soothe the pain. In addition, it helps a wound to heal and forms a protective barrier over the vulnerable area.

Badger balm is organic salve for your cracked, chapped, rough, weathered and dry skin. This is the stuff you want with you if you are lost in some vast, uncharted wilderness. It has the mild scent of Sweet Birch and Wintergreen Oils, which have been traditionally used as an antiseptic, a muscle rub, and to ease the occasional symptoms of skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. Badger Balm is tough enough to soothe rough, dry skin, but gentle enough to use every day.

Bag Balm: In 1937, Admiral Byrd’s provisions for the trip to the North Pole included Bag Balm, which helped protect the udders of base camp cows that provided milk to the expedition amidst severe climate conditions. Helps soothe bruised, sore or injured teats & people who do water sports!

Udderly Smooth - Udder Cream for Dry Skin. Made in the USA for over thirty years, Udderly Smooth products contain rich moisturizing ingredients. Not your average moisturizing lotion - Udderly Smooth can be used on dry, cracked skin. This company does not engage in animal testing in it's products.

DIY:  Honey and Lemon Juice with Oil:  Mix 1 teaspoon oil with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply and rub this mixture over knuckles, crusty elbows and other hardened areas. Keep it rubbing for 8-10 minutes and rinse off. This will nourish your skin and will keep it soft.

How to Treat Fingertips Cracks:

They're annoying and uncomfortable. Painful fingertip cracks are more common in the winter when the temperature drops and hands are exposed to sub-freezing temperatures and harsh winds. The small cracks and fissures are worsened by exposure to water or harsh detergents and chemicals. This can be a particular problem if you wash dishes frequently or work in a profession that requires exposure to chemicals. What can you do about this annoying symptom?

Fingertip cracks and fissures need moisture to heal, but the problem with applying simple hand creams is that it may not be enough. Your hands need intense moisture. Fortunately, there's no need to buy expensive moisture creams. Your best ally in fighting fingertip cracks is good, old-fashioned petroleum jelly that you buy at your local drugstore. You'll also need a pair of cotton gloves with a little lycra to help them conform to the skin. These are available online and in most drugstores.

The best time to treat dry hands with fingertip cracks is at night before you go to bed. Use a mild, unscented soap and warm water to wash your hands. While your hands are still slightly moist apply a heavy layer of petroleum jelly to the cracked areas and a thinner layer over the rest of your hands. Slip on the gloves and leave them on overnight. You can do this during the day if you don't have to leave the house. Repeat this process several times until you start to see improvement in the fingertip cracks. Some people notice a significant difference after only one or two treatments. If the symptoms fail to resolve with this treatment, see your doctor. Sometimes a fungal infection can cause this symptom which may require use of a prescription anti-fungal cream.

Once your fingertip cracks and fissures have healed, it's important to keep them from recurring. Moisture is the key to keeping the uncomfortable cracks from wrecking havoc with your fingers again. Although you can use petroleum jelly for a daily hand moisturizer, some people prefer almond oil or coconut oil, both of which are excellent for keeping fingertips moist. These are inexpensive and can be purchased at most health food stores and natural food markets.

Other tips? When you place your hands in water, make sure they're covered by gloves and use only the mildest, all-natural hand soaps and bath products. Avoid extremes in temperature when you bathe, particularly hot water which can be very drying to the skin and worsen not only fingertip cracks. When you go outside in cold weather, apply petroleum jelly to your hands and always wear gloves.

There's not need to suffer from cracked fingertips. With a few inexpensive products, this uncomfortable symptom can be a thing of the past and you'll be well on your way to smoother looking fingers and hands.

For those that need more ingredient advise - this may be the web page for you!

Glass Protection Informational Bulletin For Pro' Window Cleaners

GANA, IWCA release joint informational bulletin: The Glass Association of North America, and the International Window Cleaning Association, released a joint Glass Informational Bulletin titled Construction Site Protection and Maintenance of Architectural Glass outlining the need for proper protection of architectural glass throughout the construction process to all general contractors and builders, according to a Nov. 15 release. This protection includes various recommendations and the need for open communication and full cooperation among the general contractor, professional window cleaner, and all trades involved.

"This document, the first from our organizations teaming up and working together, is a great resource for the construction industry," said GANA Technical Director Urmilla Sowell, in the release. "There are many integral recommendations and points contained within this document.  It also shows the commitment within GANA and IWCA to address an issue confronting many today by putting our best minds together to find solutions for the industry."

A key component of the document emphasizes the need to use professional window cleaners and not someone inexperienced in the post construction cleaning of glass. The use of unskilled non-professionals can be a detriment to completing the construction job in the best possible way.  Furthermore, the general contractor or builder may need to schedule periodic glass cleaning during extended construction schedules so that the potential for glass damage is reduced. Vital suggestions such as these provide real-world solutions to prevent costly issues later, including the potential for contentious litigation.

"This is a great document for the industry," said Debra Nemec, IWCA executive director, in the release. "This collaboration, as well as future joint efforts by our organizations, provides new potential in the industry to increase the quality output of glazing contractors and professional window cleaners.  At the end of the day, that outcome benefits everyone. We look forward to working together even further for the benefit of our members and our industry."

To download this document at no charge, visit the GANA TechCenter Web site or the IWCA Web site or read in full below. Pdf file here.

Construction Site Protection and Maintenance of Architectural Glass:
Steps Must Be Taken to Avoid Permanent Damage to Glass.

Architectural glass products used in windows, doors and skylights for today’s residential and commercial building projects are more sophisticated than those used in earlier fenestration applications. Performance requirements call for glass to be coated and used in an insulating glass unit in order to be more energy efficient; and often heat-treated and laminated to provide greater strength, safety, and security. As a result of increased performance capabilities, more high performance glass is being used in both residential and commercial construction. The higher valued products and their greater susceptibility to damage have increased the importance of proper site storage, handling, installation and protection throughout the construction process.

During glass manufacturing, fabrication and installation, products are carefully handled to prevent surface and edge damage. Materials are packaged to provide protection during shipment and delivery. Once finished materials are placed on a construction site, they become exposed to a variety of conditions and influences that can adversely affect product aesthetics and functionality. Irreparable glass damage can occur from improper storage and handling, exposure to chemicals and leaching agents, prolonged exposure to moisture, mechanical attack and breakage, damage related to adjacent construction activities and improper cleaning methods.

Site Delivery and Storage

Windows, doors and skylights for residential construction typically arrive on construction sites preglazed, while commercial construction applications often require glass be delivered to the site and glazed at a later date. In both types of construction, it is vital that materials be properly stored for the duration of the construction process. The complex nature of construction projects and site management requires well-planned and executed material delivery and storage. The following is a list of recommended practices that glazing subcontractors should observe for site delivery and storage of fenestration materials: - Consult glass and glazing system suppliers for specific recommendations on the site storage, handling, installation, and protection of their materials before any work is started.

• Coordinate glass deliveries, to the extent practical, to minimize on-site storage durations.
• Work with the general contractor or builder to select on-site under-roof storage locations that avoid direct rain and water runoff, work areas of other trades, and areas of high traffic and to minimize material movement and handling.
• Secure, block, and brace individual cases of glass and preglazed materials to prevent falls.
• Ensure blocks or supports keep the bottom edge of materials well above potential puddles of rainwater or other conditions that could cause damage.
• Provide secure, temporary covering that prevents direct water flow, but ensures ventilation and combats condensation buildup on the glass.
• Clearly mark storage areas of glass cases and preglazed materials using colored ribbons or tape.
• Ensure that glazing components held in storage are not subjected to deposits from concrete and masonry building materials or hard water spotting from various sources of tap water at the job site.
• Ensure that stored materials are not exposed to activities of other trades such as welding, painting, insulating, and fireproofing.
• Establish a program for daily inspection of stored glass and glazing systems to monitor conditions and ensure prompt corrective action when needed.
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines when using temporary protection films.
• Do not allow protective films to remain on the surface beyond their useful life, as removal methods may damage certain types of glass and/or their coatings.
• Do not expose open packs of glass to direct sunlight as the insulating effects of the glass layers may increase the thermal stress in the glass and may result in glass breakage.

Trade Awareness:

As fenestration materials are delivered to a residential or commercial construction site, it is recommended that the glazing subcontractor and window cleaner contact the general contractor (in person and follow up in writing) to let him know how important it is that he make all construction trades aware of the potential for permanent damage and their level of responsibility in the event materials are subjected to harmful conditions. In the event of damage, prompt action is required to minimize damage.

Site Handling and Installation:

Glass and glazing system manufacturer’s recommendations for site handling and installation procedures should be followed. Residential and light commercial windows, doors, and skylights should be installed in accordance with ASTM International document E 2112 – Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights. Glass for commercial glazing applications should be handled and installed in accordance with guidelines set forth in the Glass Association of North America (GANA) Glazing Manual.

Post Installation Inspection and Protection:

After installation, special attention by all trades should be given to construction activities in order to prevent exposure of glass in windows, doors and skylights to weld splatter, paint, plaster, sealants, fireproofing, and alkali and chemical attack. The subcontractor, general contractor, or builder should inspect and document the condition of the glazed materials on a daily basis. At this stage of construction, the glazing subcontractor should request, in writing, that the general contractor or builder remind other construction trades of the potential for irreparable damage to the glazed materials and to implement systems and procedures for protection. The following is a list of common conditions and causes that damage glass after installation:

Condition: Glass surface corrosion often characterized by permanent iridescent or white haze surface staining

Cause: Glass got wet during storage due to reasons such as, but not limited to, being stored outside uncovered, or extended storage with inadequate ventilation and/or improper glass separation

Condition: Glass surface or edge damage

Cause: Inadequate on-site protection; ill-advised or vulnerable storage locations; exposure to other trades

Condition: Chemical attack, surface pitting and hard‐to‐clean deposits

Cause: Overspray and runoff of chemicals from sealing/cleaning of concrete, masonry, roofing, etc; inadequate protection and/or poor storage location

Condition: Weld-splatter surface damage and reduction in glass strength

Cause: Location of glass near welding; inadequate protection of stored or installed glass

Condition: Stubborn, tenacious surface deposits from concrete and masonry runoff, as well as hard water spotting

Cause: Poor storage and/or protection of uninstalled glass; absence of prompt, interim cleaning of installed glass during construction

Construction Clean-Up

If glass is exposed to harmful materials or conditions during construction, the general contractor or builder and the trade involved, if known, should be immediately advised by the glazing contractor of the potential damage. In the event that damage has already occurred, the glazing contractor and glass fabricator/supplier should be consulted to assess damage, take corrective actions, and mitigate the potential for future damage. Deep surface scratches, contact by hot weld-splatter and edge damage threaten the structural integrity of glass and may require glass replacement. Surface contact with harmful materials will require prompt cleaning by professional window cleaners, such as members of the International Window Cleaners Association (IWCA). If harmful exposure results in conditions that cannot be cleaned using typical glass cleaning procedures, a professional window cleaner should be consulted for recommendations on more aggressive glass cleaning procedures. The use of a more aggressive procedure may itself damage the glass. Careful thought and discussion must precede the use of aggressive cleaning procedures. The general contractor or builder may need to schedule periodic glass cleaning during the construction process. Extended construction schedules and site conditions often result in dirt and debris build-up. Professional cleaning at the initial signs of build-up can decrease the potential for glass damage.

Long-Term Building Maintenance & Performance:

Following the completion of the construction project and throughout the life of the building, windows, doors, and skylights should be properly cleaned. Building facades may be exposed to sealant rundown, pollutants, dirt and debris, which can attack and damage glass surfaces over time. Building maintenance schedules should include frequent cleaning to ensure long-term glass aesthetics and performance. Cleaning frequencies should be tailored to the individual characteristics inherent to these conditions as well as the severity of local environmental factors such as acid rain and atmospheric pollutants that vary from region to region. Building owners should ensure that individuals cleaning fenestration materials are well aware of the glazing products in the building and their unique properties and are knowledgeable about and capable of using proper cleaning procedures and practices recommended by the glazing manufacturer and the glass industry. Proper protection of glass in windows, doors, and skylights throughout the construction process and the life of a building are essential. Planning and execution of the practices described and recommended in this bulletin will enable the glass to meet the aesthetic and performance expectations and the needs of the building occupants. Consult the Tech Center section of the Glass Association of North America (GANA) website (www.glasswebsite.com) for additional Glass Informational Bulletins and flat glass industry reference resources.

Insect-Repellent Clothing for Window Cleaners

Ever noticed when you get your water fed pole out - insects seem to want & come & join the party? More intriguing, in my inbox yesterday I received an email advertising a Bug Repellent T-Shirt. Not just any T-shirt! A t-shirt that actually keeps mosquitoes & other insects at bay. I thought I'd look at this a little closer & found out that the T-shirts are actually impregnated with "Permethrin" - a common synthetic chemical, widely used as an insecticide and insect repellent. It belongs to the family of synthetic chemicals called pyrethroids and functions as a neurotoxin, affecting neuron membranes. It is not known to rapidly harm most mammals or birds, but is highly toxic to cats and fish. Apparently it generally has a low mammalian toxicity and is poorly absorbed by skin - hence all the other stuff in insect repellents - so it does actually go into your skin. Permethrin is also used in health care, to eradicate parasites such as head lice and mites responsible for scabies, and in industrial and domestic settings to control pests such as ants and termites.

Mosquitoes are my main bugbear - It's actually only the females that stick their little syringes, or proboscis, into your skin & draw blood to help develop their eggs. While males typically feed on nectar and plant juices, the female needs to obtain nutrients from a "blood meal" before she can produce eggs. The lifespan of a female mosquito can be anything from 3 to 100 days, but that's enough time to put a dent into your summer work. It's also enough time for a female mosquito to have anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 baby mosquitoes. It doesn't take long for these little guys to grow up either - they mature into adults in less than a week. And, if most of the mosquitoes in your yard look familiar, it's because they rarely travel more than a mile from where they were born. You may also notice that they tend to die down at night. That's because most mosquitoes do their work like you and me - from dawn to dusk.

Bug zappers, those electric lights may be fun for the whole family, but they actually kill beneficial insects and attract mosquitoes without killing them. Notre Dame University performed a study that showed a 10 percent increase in mosquito bites for people that had zappers in their yards. Citronella candles and smoking coils work, but only if you're extremely close to the smoke they emit. Bug sprays are an effective way to keep them from biting you, but ingredients like DEET have been shown to be toxic, especially for kids. If none of these methods for achieving a mosquito-free life work for you, there's an alternative the technology that's built into the clothes you wear.

And there's no need to walk around smelling bad because you're afraid to wash your insect-free t-shirt. Most of the new line of insect shield clothing can stand up to 70 washings and maintain effectiveness. The technology works on most any fabric as long as you don't have the garments dry-cleaned. You can buy the goods online from a variety of outdoor gear Web sites, and you have a plethora of duds to choose from. Most of the garments are suited for the outdoor window cleaner - pullovers, cargo pants, bandanas, hoodies and fishing vests. They also offer visors, floppy hats and a line of kid's clothing. You won't know any difference between clothes treated with permethrin and regular clothes either, aside from being bug-free.

Well they have me interested but I'm still waiting for some customisable versions. "Sawyer" do a DIY permethrin spray-on clothing insect repellant. Insect shield seem to have most apparell covered. Amazon also do a couple of sweat shirts, OK if you are just walking around, but no good for window cleaning work unless it's late in the evening or early morning. Click on the picture links for more outlets. I've also heard that lavender & curcumin are the natural alternative - google it!