Sharon

Firstly, it isn’t just the skin cells you need to consider. There is considerable evidence that with psoriasis the skin easily becomes colonised with transient micro-organisms so transfer of infection is a real issue. So handling food is something which I would consider to be permissible. However, this does not mean that the person cannot work elsewhere, i.e. in environments where the colonisation of his/her skin does not represent a risk of infection of others or of product. So your approach as outlined in your e-mail is correct.

There is a study done by the Royal College of Physicians on the management of occupational contact dermatitis (try http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/sites/default/files/dermatitis-national-guideline-full-text.pdf) that you can download from their website. You might find this useful in discussions with management.

Chris

Chris Packham

FRSPH, FInstSMM, MCMI, MIIRSM, MBICSc

EnviroDerm Services

Unit 10, Building 11, The Mews, Mitcheldean, GL17 0SN

Tel: +44 1386 832 311 (office), Mobile: +44 7818 035 898