[7] A 2018 Cochrane review concluded that the use of moisturizers alone or in combination with barrier creams may result in important protective effects for the prevention of Occupational Irritant Hand Dermatitis (OIHD).
[10] Irritant contact dermatitis is very common among nurses, ranging from 25% to 55%, with as many as 85% relating a history of having skin problems.
As a result, whether barrier creams are effective in preventing irritant contact dermatitis among health-care workers remains unknown.
"[11] The Great Ormond Street Hospital Manual of Children's Nursing Practices 2012 book found that "disposable nappies are effective in drawing fluid away from the skin and can be changed less frequently in the absence of stools, making regular application of barrier creams unnecessary in most children.
[1] A 2018 Cochrane review concluded that the use of moisturizers alone or in combination with barrier creams may result in important protective effects for the prevention of Occupational Irritant Hand Dermatitis (OIHD)[1] Barrier creams can be applied before exposure to potential irritants,[13] but are not typically used as the main protection against hazardous substances.
[8] Active barrier creams containing silicone, tartaric acid, glycerin, and other ingredients are said to be beneficial for some chromate-sensitive construction workers.
[3] A 2002 review found "some reports indicate that inappropriate BC (barrier cream) application might induce a deleterious rather than a beneficial effect.
[5] When handling hazardous molecules such as sodium hydroxide, ingredients in barrier cream could react and induce skin irritation.