<i>ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING</i>

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: CANNING, JENNIFER L.
Language:English
Published: University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK 2006
Subjects:
Online Access:http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1161025632
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spelling ndltd-OhioLink-oai-etd.ohiolink.edu-ucin11610256322021-08-03T06:11:26Z <i>ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING</i> CANNING, JENNIFER L. Digital Imaging Health Care Workers Skin Condition Erythema Digital Image Analysis 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. 2006 English text University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1161025632 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1161025632 unrestricted This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.
collection NDLTD
language English
sources NDLTD
topic Digital Imaging
Health Care Workers
Skin Condition
Erythema
Digital Image Analysis
spellingShingle Digital Imaging
Health Care Workers
Skin Condition
Erythema
Digital Image Analysis
CANNING, JENNIFER L.
<i>ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING</i>
author CANNING, JENNIFER L.
author_facet CANNING, JENNIFER L.
author_sort CANNING, JENNIFER L.
title <i>ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING</i>
title_short <i>ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING</i>
title_full <i>ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING</i>
title_fullStr <i>ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING</i>
title_full_unstemmed <i>ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN CONDITION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS USING DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING</i>
title_sort <i>assessment of the skin condition of health care workers using digital image processing</i>
publisher University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK
publishDate 2006
url http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1161025632
work_keys_str_mv AT canningjenniferl iassessmentoftheskinconditionofhealthcareworkersusingdigitalimageprocessingi
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