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Dermatitis: Occupational Dermatitis
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Dermatitis is a wide-spread occupational disease. Two common forms of dermatitis, normally seen in the workplace, are allergic dermatitis and contact (irritant) dermatitis. These conditions comprise up to 15% to 20% of all reported occupational diseases in this nation. Dermatitis is extremely prevalent because there are many agents which can trigger a dermatological reaction. These reactions can take the form of rashes, itchiness, or hives.
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Occupational irritant contact dermatitis is an inflammation caused by substances found in the workplace that come in direct contact with the skin. Signs of irritant contact dermatitis include redness of the skin, blisters, scales or crusts. These symptoms do not necessarily occur at the same time or in all cases. This kind of dermatitis is caused by chemicals that are irritating (e.g., acids, bases, fat-dissolving solvents) to the skin and is localized to the area of contact.
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Thousands of substances can result in allergic contact dermatitis. The most common include substances found in plants such as poison ivy, rubber (latex), antibiotics, fragrances, preservatives, and some metals (such as nickel and cobalt). About 10% of women are allergic to nickel, a common component of jewelry. People may use (or be exposed to) substances for years without a problem, then suddenly develop an allergic reaction. Even ointments, creams, and lotions used to treat dermatitis can cause such a reaction. People may ... develop dermatitis from many of the materials they touch while at work (occupational dermatitis).
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Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease and is often the result of reactions to chemical solvents. Allergic dermatitis can ... be triggered by a wide variety of substances, including latex and pesticides. A person may become allergic to a material after a brief exposure or it may take many years to develop. Hives (contact urticaria) can result from either irritants or allergens. Contact dermatitis can often be distinguished from allergic dermatitis by its irregular skin configurations and by the fact that it is more likely to cause localized reactions such as itching and redness on the exposed skin.
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By August 14, the dermatitis was resolving for all patients. Reported by: C Busby, S Plank, MD, Shasta County Public Health Dept; R Jackson, MD, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency; L Goldman, MD, R Kreutzer, MD, Office of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, California Dept of Health Svcs. Div of Health Studies, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Div of Field Epidemiology, Epidemiology Program Office, CDC.
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Victims of irritant contact dermatitis often consult a doctor or nurse. While some experimental tests can provide an indication of the irritant potential of substances, no single test can reliably identify irritants in specific cases. In the evaluation of occupational irritant contact dermatitis, the best approach is to identify the conditions of exposure by discussing the victim's employment. The information to be gathered includes a detailed list of all chemicals in the individual's working environment; a detailed description of all processes involved in a day's work; and any information about other workers, if any, who have similar skin problems.
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Occupational Dermatitis