Florist Jobs - Occupation Skin Health

The latest figures show that some 29,000 new cases of occupational dermatitis occur each year in the United Kingdom. Within this total, the florist industry is the sector that has the greatest number of reported pro rata new cases. Given their mode and conditions of working, it is not surprising that florists are at high risk.

People with florist jobs should certainly be aware of those risks.

So, what are the main causative factors of dermatitis in florists and the people who work in the floral sector? More importantly, how can they ensure they maintain their skin care?

Dermatitis is a term often used to describe a variety of skin conditions. In everyday language, it is commonly interchanged with eczema. Nonetheless, by whatever name work-related skin conditions are referenced, they are usually caused by coming into direct contact with allergens and irritants. It is also associated with wet work and incorrect skin hygiene routines. If you work as a florist then you will already know that these two factors are all-pervasive in almost all tasks that are undertaken in the floral arrangement industry.

Skin irritants are universal. Or, in everyday language, substances that cause irritation effect everybody. The only difference from one person to the next is the extent of that irritation. Allergens vary in the respect that some people, even if brought into direct contact with them, may not display any reaction whatsoever. In this case, the genetic makeup and personal situation of each individual may be a factor in the presence and extent of the allergy.

The constant possibility of exposure to allergens and irritants is a everyday occurrence for every florist.

Plants that florists will be familiar with, and which are generally accepted as being responsible for dermatitis, are daffodils, primulas, chrysanthemums and dalias. Many skin conditions, including dermatitis, usually respond positively to appropriate self-help remedies and treatment. However, you should consult your doctor if your dermatitis has flared up over a short time period, is widespread, fails to respond to treatment, or if you have other health issue concerns. Sap exuding from cut plant stems is also generally considered to be another potential irritant that can produce an allergic skin reaction. Other suspect substances that a florist can expect to encounter include earth, compost and traces of fertilizers and pesticides.

Allergens carry the unfortunate property that once your skin acquires a reaction to any particular substance it will always be prone to react to that same substance, regardless of how long a period separates each incidence of exposure. In fact, once sensitised, you may find that other areas of your skin becoming sensitive to the same allergen.

Work related dermatitis is regularly connected to, and is often a consequence of, "wet work". Wet work is the term used when individuals are required to have their hands immersed in water for a total of two or more hours, or wash their hands more than 20 times during the working day. However, this is not the only official definition of wet work. Anyone who is in constant or regular contact with damp items, especially cloth and other materials that feel wet to the touch, is classed as undertaking wet work.

It may seem contrary to commonsense but wet work often results in dry skin. However, constantly wetting and washing hands will lead to the outer layer of lipids on your skin being stripped away. The roll of these lipids in maintaining health skin is fundamental. A healthy epidermis retains its suppleness by keeping moisture locked in. The top layer of lipids performs this basic function. Thus, even though it seems contrary to commonsense, excessive wetting ultimately results in the skin becoming dry and brittle.

So, finally, let us consider just one more issue. Existing skin problems are also prone to adversely react to inappropriate cleaning practices. Over exuberant cleaning, especially with strong soaps or cleaning gels and lotions can inflict additional damages to your skin. Likewise rubbing to dry your skin with rough towels. Also be aware that fragrance and other cosmetic additives often involve using chemicals that are a further source of potential irritation to sensitive skin.

Thankfully, work related dermatitis is not an insurmountable problem. An easy and simple routine which you can incorporate into your normal day-to-day activities can diminish, or even effect a total cure for your occupational dermatitis.

Always be aware of your skin's health. Similar to any other medical condition, if you experience a sudden deterioration or your symptoms are widespread then you should contact your doctor.


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With 20 years of experience in the skincare industry, Peter Friswell has shared his knowledge on the informative Derma Shield Skin Care website. Skin irritation can be both annoying and difficult to deal with. See how other people have treated their florist jobs skin conditions.