Occupational skin disease is one of the most commonly occurring occupational diseases.  By definition, for skin disease to be classified as an occupational one, there must be a causal relationship between the occupation and the skin disease.

Occupational skin disease is broadly categorized into three groups: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and another occupational skin disease.

In today’s post, we will talk in greater detail about types of occupational exposure and treatment methods.

The types of exposure are broadly categorized into chemical, biological, and physical exposures.

Chemical exposure:

Different chemicals, such as hair dyes, rubber additives, preservatives, acrylates, and epoxy resins cause allergic contact dermatitis. Tar and arsenic are linked with skin cancer. Phenols and catechol may result in depigmentation. Cement under occlusion may cause a chemical burn.

Biological exposure:

Contact with different animals may lead to a wide range of infections: orf (from goats and sheep), tinea corporis (from pigs, cats, and dogs), and milker’s nodules (from cows). Contact with infected/infested humans can result in infections like tinea corporis and infestations like scabies and head lice.

Physical exposure:

Any mechanical trauma that skin receives leads to blisters, cuts, blood clots, and calluses.

Some cases of basal cell carcinoma can be caused due to thermal burns and other scars. Direct heat causes thermal burns. Different physical irritants like rough surfaces, fibres, and particulates can trigger irritant dermatitis.

There are few ways that can help to prevent occupational skin disease. The first step is the recognition of the cause. Both employers and workers should contribute to identifying workplace hazards. This should be a routine process that reflects on changes in the workplace and knowledge. They should evaluate the exposure to hazards and assess the degree of risk each hazard poses. Lastly, both parties should keep track of all accidents, incidents, and occurrences of occupational disease.

Another method is called “eliminate or enclose.” In some cases, the contact between the skin and hazard can be avoided by introducing automated equipment or encapsulated machines, like food mixers and dishwashers.

In cases where a hazard cannot be eliminated, it should be minimized. It is recommended to switch between tasks in order to reduce individual exposure. Providing personnel with personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g. gloves, face shields, and aprons) would also minimize the exposure.  Workers have to be trained on the causes of occupational disease.

Once the hazard has been minimized, it is suggested to monitor workers’ health in terms of the hazard.

Lastly,  an appropriate treatment method should be determined by your treating dermatologist. For example, some of the common ways include topical or oral steroids as well as antibiotics.

Centre for Medical and Surgical Dermatology offers various occupational skin disease treatment methods that are individual for each patient. For more information regarding occupational skin disease, visit the following link: