Ansell Protects Program Launched to Help Prevent Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Ansell Healthcare announces the Ansell Protects Program, a major new initiative aimed at helping healthcare facilities understand the risks associated with chemical allergies and providing solutions for them.

It is estimated that hand dermatitis affects up to 33 percent of all nurses, costing the U.S. an estimated $1 billion per year. The Ansell Protects Program was developed to improve the health of employees and also significantly reduce long-term costs for healthcare facilities.

Chemical allergies otherwise known as Type IV allergies or allergic contact dermatitis - can cause physical, emotional and occupational issues for those affected. The only treatment is allergen avoidance. The Ansell Protects Program provides the tools to help healthcare facilities understand the impact of chemical allergies, assess their risk level, estimate their potential savings and find the right medical gloves to ensure they promote a healthy workplace.

"The effects of chemical allergies are wide-ranging, and the costs are high," says Patty Taylor, RN, BA, vice president of marketing, Medical Division, of Ansell Healthcare. "The Ansell Protects Program will help facilities understand the threat of chemical allergies and will identify solutions that will foster better health and significant long-term savings."

Costs associated with chemical allergies include diagnosis, workers' compensation, disability, increased sick leave, decreased job productivity, and medical care costs.

Supporting its Ansell Protects Program are products that help reduce risk for facilities. Ansell is the first manufacturer to offer both a surgical and exam glove that help protect against Type I and Type IV allergies, including Derma Prene® Ultra neoprene surgical gloves; Derma Prene® Ultra HydraSoft® hand friendly neoprene surgical gloves; and Micro-Touch® NitraFree nitrile examination gloves.

For more information on the physiology and effects of allergic contact dermatitis including a breakdown of costs visit www.AnsellProtects.com.