Comments by Martin Pickering

Martin Pickering
Member - 5 posts

I can't answer your question (although my guess is "yes remove them") but I can help you to spell "fluorescent" and "installation" correctly. :)

Martin Pickering
Member - 5 posts

Thanks, Graham. A very lucid explanation, spoilt only by the misspelling of "definitely"! ;-)

It strikes me that a lot of people are carrying out safety testing without knowing what the heck they are doing (or why).

Martin Pickering
Member - 5 posts

Dell should understand Portable Appliance Test.
High reading for what? If it fails, it fails.

I don't know if this is any help but via Google I found a PAT Testing DVD here: http://www.pat-services.co.uk/default.asp?prodidsingle=248

(I'm not affiliated, not on commission, no connection with this company).

Martin Pickering
Member - 5 posts

I have very mild psoriasis and the urge to pick at it can be quite strong (although not insurmountable - consider it like nail biting). In any case, picking at the skin will aggravate the inflammation and increase the affected area. Unwashed nails can also infect the skin of the sufferer (but not others), adding to the problem.

Psoriasis is not in itself an infection or contagious, and no more of a health hazard than dandruff, but throwing skin shards around deliberately is inexcusable behaviour. It has to be said, however, that psoriasis is an embarrassing condition and some sufferers deal with this by making a joke of it. They do need understanding but they also need to be told when they've overstepped the line.

There are some reasonably effective treatments now which, although not cures, can greatly reduce the inflammation and the amount of skin that becomes flakey.

What works for me might not work for others but I'll mention them anyway:

Dovobet (a mix of Dovonex and Betnovate) helps to soften the skin and to reduce the immune reaction which causes the problem. Dovonex by itself is an emollient and Betnovate is a cortisone which combats the build up of white cells. They can be used singly or together. Prescription only.

E45 available over the counter is an emollient and helps to soothe the skin.

HC45 is an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream which helps combat the immune reaction that causes the excessive skin production.

Trimovate (Prescriotion only) is a yellow cream that combines a hydrocortisone with an anti-fungal and an antibacterial agent. Very useful where infection has begun - especially in moist places such as between the toes and the crevice of the backside. Very effective against athlete's foot as well.

There's another prescription cream whose name I forget. It stains the skin brown and I haven't found it very useful.

Most useful is Dovobet which is clear, colourless, odourless and doesn't stain skin or clothing. Applied sparingly, once or twice a day, it does help to keep the problem under control.

The other creams can be used sparingly in rotation. Used to excess, they cause an adverse reaction with the skin becoming thin and red. Ordinary "moisturiser" creams can be helpful in keeping the skin soft and reducing flaking and risk of infection.

Psoriasis is not associated with body odour and there's really no excuse for not bathing - a soak in warm salty water helps to remove dead skin and reduce infection.

While some fabric conditioners and detergents might affect dermatitis sufferers, I have not found that to be the case with my own psoriasis. Therefore I see no reason not to have a complete change of freshly-laundered clothing every day.

There is an injection available that completely "cures" the condition in some people. However, it does so by dulling the immune system, which can be a life-threatening side effect. Consequently, it's offered only to sufferers who are really badly affected by psoriasis (like 80% of their body area).

I realise that I haven't told you what to do about your staff member - that's not my field of expertise - but I hope my notes might help you to decide.