Skin Conditions and Risks in Healthcare and Body Art

Importance of Skin Health

Skin is the body's largest organ, comprising the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, varying in thickness and serving as the first line of defence against infections.

Risks in Healthcare and Body Art

Workers with infected wounds, open sores, boils, abrasions, or weeping dermatological lesions should avoid jobs where they could contaminate healthcare supplies, body art equipment, or surfaces:

• Ensure skin is free of rash or infection.
• Cover any sores with bandages to prevent disease spread.

Common Skin Diseases

Various skin diseases pose risks, including:

• Bacterial Problems: MRSA infections resemble ordinary wounds but are highly contagious.
• Viral Infections: Herpes Simplex causes blisters and spreads through contact with infected saliva or skin.
• Fungal Infections: Athlete’s Foot, Jock Itch, and Ringworm are contagious and cause red, itchy patches.

Special Considerations

People with certain conditions are more vulnerable to skin disorders, which can be exacerbated by receiving tattoos or body art:

• History of Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS
• Diabetes
• History of Hemophilia or blood disorders
• History of skin diseases or lesions
• History of allergies or adverse reactions to pigments, dyes, latex, etc.
• Immune disorders