Jobs That Can Be Rough on Your Skin and How to Protect Yourself

Sep 28, 2023

Working hard has its benefits—you reap what you sow and feel good about a hard day’s work. Unfortunately, there are some jobs that take a toll on your skin. While stress and weather are obvious conditions that can cause skin damage, there are occupations that cause direct physical distress due to the elements that you’re exposed to on a daily basis. Luckily there are ways to remedy that and protect your skin as necessary. Below is an outline of jobs that can be rough on your skin and ways to protect yourself.

Doctor

Who knew that being a doctor could cause damage to your skin? Doctors must scrub and wash their hands multiple times a day whenever they see patients. They also wear latex gloves that can dry out or irritate their skin. Some people have latex allergies that can develop a rash on their skin. One method of avoiding skin rashes is wearing a liner underneath latex gloves. Scrubbing your skin can also cause irritation so to be sure dry thoroughly with a towel and to moisturize well afterward.

Farmers and Landscapers

Agricultural occupations such as farming, or landscaping can be hazardous to your skin because of sun damage. Canopies reduce the risk of skin cancer and are a tool of the trade that many farmers and landscaping workers can benefit from using. When working, be sure to cover up well. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Wrap a towel around your neck so that it does not get exposed to the sun. Wear long sleeves and gloves to protect your arms and hands. Be sure to wear sunscreen when you go outside so that you can protect yourself from long term sun exposure. If you use a tractor, be sure to look for options with a canopy. Tractors with canopies reduce the risk of skin cancer as you are more protected from the sun.

Postal Carriers

Postal carriers are also often working long hours outdoors. They spend a lot of time walking in the sun. They also drive and stay exposed to the sun. Sunscreen is absolutely necessary for postal workers and they should apply it multiple times throughout the day to avoid burns and skin cancer. They should also wear a hat to protect their face and head from sun exposure. Sunglasses also help. They should stay hydrated and drink a lot of water while on the job to prevent overheating. Remaining in the shade whenever they can also help. All of this is beneficial to the skin and to the body overall.

Mechanics and Welders

Mechanics and welders are also frequently exposed to sunlight. Mechanics and welders have the added task of wearing gloves at all times. This can lead to rashes. Home remedies such as soaking in oatmeal can help with that. For welders who are exposed to high heat and sparks can also suffer burns on their skin. You can use a cold compress at home to limit the damage caused by a burn as well as to ease any pain. Do not apply ice, though, as it might make your problem worse. Pure aloe vera, however, is one of the best ways to help heal minor burns.

Truck and Taxi Drivers

Truck and taxi drivers are often exposed to sunlight coming in from their windows. They can especially suffer sunburn on their left arm that gives them the “farmer’s tan” or a “driver’s arm.” To prevent this, it is important to wear sunscreen or long sleeves. Another way to protect yourself is to wear sunglasses. While sun exposure is harmful to the skin, it is also injurious to the eyes.

Construction Workers

Construction workers spend long hours in the sun due to their line of work. Wearing safety protection goggles, shoes and hard hats are absolute essentials but to protect their skin, they should also wear sunscreen. In addition to sunscreen, construction workers should take extra measures to protect their exposed skin. Wrapping a towel around their necks to prevent direct sunlight from reaching their necks is one way to protect their skin. There are also reflective sun shades made specifically for sun protection that construction workers can attach to their hard hats to protect their necks. They can also wear long sleeves to protect their arms. While this can become hot for some, the long-term sun damage is being prevented.

Dog Walkers

Dog walkers are out in the sun a lot getting the dogs the exercise they need. Dog walkers are also encouraged to always wear sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect their face and eyes from sun exposure. They should also wear long sleeves and long pants to protect their arms and legs from overexposure to the sun. Similar to postal workers, dog walkers should spend time in the shade and hydrate frequently to prevent overheating.

Firefighters

Firefighters have a very particular job that can cause damage to their skin. Not only are they frequently exposed to open flames and high heat, but they are also likely to develop skin damages from chemical burns. This is because when a fire occurs in a place where man-made materials burn, chemicals are also up in flames. Firefighters suffer many kinds of skin damage due to their line of work. Skin cancer is also a big threat among firefighters. To prevent damage to their skin, firefighters must take extra precautions to wear more layers. They should shower and clean themselves after every job they take in order to wash away any chemicals or ash that might touch their skin. Firefighters should also take steps to treat their skin using detox treatments. There are facials and cleansers that help with skin detox. Drinking lots of fluids, especially juice and water, is very important to the detox process.

While there are many jobs that require one to be out in the sun such as postal work, construction, landscaping, and farming, there are others that can require one to be in high heat such as welding and firefighting. Sun exposure can lead to irritation and skin cancer, while exposure to heat can lead to burns. It is important to take preventative measures to protect your skin while on duty. It is also essential to take steps at home to remedy any damages to prevent any long-term effects of these exposures.

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