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ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING

CANNING, JENNIFER L
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1161025632

Abstract Details

2006, MS, University of Cincinnati, Pharmacy : Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Frequent handwashing has significant effects on the stratum corneum (SC) barrier and can lead to dry skin, irritation and erythema. The effects of hand hygiene procedures on health care workers (HCWs) were investigated by evaluation of skin damage (dryness, erythema) on their hands. Live visual skin evaluation (LSG), digital image analysis (DIA), and visual perception evaluation of high resolution digital images (VPS) were used to measure skin condition in the spring and winter. Compared to non-HCW control subjects, HCW hands are appreciably comprised. The skin was damaged at the start of a work cycle, suggesting that the SC does not have sufficient time to repair itself. Use of test products (TP) resulted in significantly improved skin dryness (LSG) and irritation (VPS) relative to the current products (CP). However, skin erythema observed over a work cycle was similar for both CP and TP. Skin erythema was difficult to assess, most likely due to the compromise of the skin from baseline and the regional heterogeneity of the hands. DIA techniques were used to analyze erythema in the digital images. Redness observed using DIA techniques was significantly higher for the hands, particularly the knuckles, in the winter, an indication of poorer skin condition. The digital images were also viewed on a high resolution monitor in a paired comparison format to examine the effects over a cycle and during regression (VPS Imaging System, P&G). The positive correlations evaluated between LSG and VPS methods verify the fact that images could be collected (much more rapidly) and graded later using a comparison imaging system, i.e. VPS, to establish quantitative results. Only minimal correlations were present between DIA and the visual evaluations (LSG, VPS). High levels of erythema may have affected the correlations between DIA and the visual grades because it is often accompanied by other symptoms, making it more difficult to grade as it becomes more severe. The digital imaging process, used to analyze the digital images, shows to be able to objectively define erythema as a quantitative expression, however, further investigation is needed into the development of this DIA process because of minimal correlations with the visual methods. Further investigation needs to be done so that a quantification system can be established for the investigation of dryness in the digital images collected.
R Wickett (Advisor)
151 p.
Digital Imaging; Health Care Workers; Skin Condition; Erythema; Digital Image Analysis

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • CANNING, J. L. (2006). ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1161025632

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • CANNING, JENNIFER. ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING. 2006. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1161025632.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • CANNING, JENNIFER. "ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1161025632

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1161025632
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© 2006, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.
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