Association between frequency of powdered detergent use and irritant contact dermatitis among laundry workers

Eva Nadia Risdiyanti (Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Malahayati)
Resati Nando Panonsih (Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Malahayati)
Arti Febriyani Hutasuhut (Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Malahayati)
Arif Effendi (Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Malahayati)

Journal of Medical Surgical Concerns
Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): July Edition 2026

Background: Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a non-allergic inflammatory skin reaction caused by direct exposure to irritants. Laundry workers are vulnerable because repeated wet work and detergent contact can disrupt the skin barrier. Purpose: To examine the association between powdered detergent use frequency and ICD among laundry workers. Method: This cross-sectional analytic study included all 60 laundry workers in the study population in Tulang Bawang Barat Regency, Lampung Province, in January 2026. Data were collected using a questionnaire, clinical history taking, and physical skin examination. Categorical data were summarized as frequencies and percentages, and the chi-square test assessed the association between powdered detergent use frequency and ICD. Results: High-frequency powdered detergent use was reported by 26 workers (43.3%), while 17 (28.3%) reported moderate use and 17 (28.3%) reported low use. ICD was identified in 42 workers (70.0%). Powdered detergent use frequency was significantly associated with ICD (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Powdered detergent use frequency was associated with ICD among laundry workers. Because the study was cross-sectional, the finding should be interpreted as an association rather than evidence of causation.