A campaign has been launched to help protect hairdressers from potentially debilitating skin diseases. Cases of dermatitis are almost 20 times higher in hairdressers than any other professions because safety regulations are often ignored, environmental he

A campaign has been launched to help protect hairdressers from potentially debilitating skin diseases.

Cases of dermatitis are almost 20 times higher in hairdressers than any other professions because safety regulations are often ignored, environmental health officers claim.

Huntingdonshire District Council launched the campaign, to ensure that businesses are protecting the health of their staff.

Dermatitis can be contracted through wet working and by handling products containing chemicals, such as peroxide or shampoo. It can cause the skin to swell, redden, blister, flake or itch.

The easiest way to prevent the condition is for hairdressers to wear protective gloves when washing customers' hair.

Dr Susan Lammin, head of environmental and community health services, said: "It is very important to encourage good health and safety practices at work for hairdressers.

"Education is key as it's important that hairdressers know how to protect themselves, what to look out for and what to do if they develop a skin problem."

Our picture shows environmental health officer Keith Lawson, right, joined by Rose Thompson, a hairdressing lecturer at Huntingdonshire Regional College, and David Head, Health and Safety Executive inspector for the East of England.

Picture: SUPPLIED