TITLE:
Skin Damage and Aesthetic Disadvantage Observed in Women in the Hand Craft Shelling Chain of Cashew Nuts in a Factory to Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
AUTHORS:
Jean-Baptiste Andonaba, Sandrine Sanou Lompo, Vincent Ouédraogo, Flore Ouédraogo, Muriel S. Ouédraogo, Issouf Konaté, Boukary Diallo, Adama Traoré
KEYWORDS:
Dermatitis, Aesthetic, Shelling Unit, Cashew, Anacardic Acid, Burkina Faso
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications,
Vol.7 No.3,
September
14,
2017
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Occupational dermatitis has long been an unforeseen consequence of
industrial progress. Today, most occupational diseases are dermatosis
throughout the world. The morbidity and the various prejudices concern
different actors, especially those of the cashew industry in Bobo-Dioulasso to
Burkina Faso. We considered it appropriate to conduct this study in women who
handle cashew nuts in the cashew nut shelling station at a factory. The aim is
to contribute to the search for preventive and curative solutions adapted to
this health risk. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study
with a descriptive purpose in May 2016. The study involved 112 women present in
the factory in the shelling unit and having given their approval during our
visit. This station is occupied by 118 women. Results: The prevalence of all dermatosis and
dermatitis was estimated respectively at 98.21% and 88.39%. The manual shelling
station with a shearing machine was exclusively occupied by illiterate women
(72.3%) without personal protective equipment, with an average age of 33.74 ±
8.49 years. Among the clinical forms of contact dermatitis, the erythematous
contact dermatitis was most observed (86.4%), followed by palmar keratoderma
(70.9%), nail disorders (33.6%) and chemical burns (30%). The implication of
Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) was established with identified promoting
factors. Aesthetic damage related to hand injuries had a significant
psychosocial impact in 97.32% of cases. Discussion: Few studies exist on
dermatitis and the health impacts in the reality of cashew because they reach
vulnerable subjects without social welfare and health protection. The cashew
nuts shell contains a highly irritating brown oily liquid. Dermatitis occurs
during contact with this oily juice. The international literature reports this
corrosive effect throughout the history of the chain. Human factors, technical
factors and work environment aggravate the situation and compromize workwomen
health. Conclusion: Cashew huskers had dermatitis with an impact on
daily life. Working conditions and security of employment, hygiene attitudes
and anacardic acid were identified as causes of this situation. It is imperious
to take measures in collaboration with the occupational physicians to ensure
these women’s health at work and improve their quality of life.