Research shows Halton gardeners are failing to protect their hands

Aug 18 2011 by Adrian Short, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

GARDENERS in Halton are putting their green fingers at risk of serious skin disease, research has revealed.

A study of the borough’s gardeners and growers found that despite more than a quarter (28%) suffering from skin conditions such as hand eczema, more than two-thirds (68%) admitted failing to protect their hands adequately in the garden.

The research revealed skin problems were so serious in 69% of those surveyed that they had sought professional medical treatment, with more than one in 10 (15%) being forced to stop gardening because their condition was chronic.

Only 32% of those questioned always wear gloves to safeguard their hands from potentially dangerous plants and chemicals, yet 19% admitted certain plants caused skin problems.

Seemingly harmless flowers such as chrysanthemums, tulips and Alstromeria can be a trigger for hand eczema or hand dermatitis, as can the drying effect of the soil.

The research was carried out by www.myhandeczema.co.uk to raise awareness of skin problems among the 41 million people in the UK who have access to a garden.