What Are the Effects of Manual Labor on Skin?
Manual labor, whether done outdoors or in a work environment where hazardous chemicals are used, can take its toll on a person's skin. The skin is the body's largest organ and needs to be protected in harsh work environments. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Labor
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Manual labor performed outdoors--such as farming, gardening and landscaping, and construction--is especially harmful to the skin because of sun exposure, which can lead to premature aging as well as skin cancer. Manual labor performed in harsh work environments where chemicals and other harsh substances are used can cause major skin irritation, culminating in the form of rashes, burns and permanent scarring of the epidermis.
Outdoor Labor Risks
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In the past, light skin was synonymous with wealth because it meant that you didn't have to work outdoors. Today, while our attitudes have changed about tanned skin, sun exposure is only one (although probably the greatest) of the dangers of working outside Harsh elements--extremely cold weather, for example--can lead to frostbite, which is basically a destruction of skin tissue leading to numbness, blistering, swelling and, in the worst case, gangrene, which requires amputation.
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Dangerous Manual Labor
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According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), labor done in waste management is one of the most dangerous jobs, not because any chemicals are used, but because dangerous substances are incidental products of the work. Not only are waste-management workers likely to come into contact with harsh chemicals, but they are also handling different materials that can hurt their skin by scratching or cutting it.
Prevention/Solution
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Simple measures such as applying sunscreen to the skin and wearing protective clothing to shield your skin from the sun and harsh outdoor environments is one of the best things you can do for your skin. If you work in a job where you are in contact with chemicals that can hurt the skin, use a barrier cream to keep your skin moisturized and protected and always wear rubber gloves.
Theories/Speculation
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According to AskMen.com, men usually spend less time than women caring for their skin, yet they are more likely to hold jobs involving manual labor.
Expert Insight
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According to Family Doctor.org, most skin cancers occur on parts of the body that are repeatedly exposed to the sun. These parts of the body are the head, face, lips, ears, neck, forearms, shoulders and chest.
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References
- Photo Credit Farmer image by Benjamin Huseman from Fotolia.com
