Skin disorders

Skin forms the barrier bewteen the occupational environment and our organs. It is often provoked by occupational agents such as chemicals, trauma or radiation. Please study carefully the table above that lists these agents, their possible resulting pathologies and likely industries where they occur. *Irritant contact dermatitis is skin irritation from direct contact with irritant agents. It is usually dose related and reversible once the offending agent is eliminated. Allergic contact dermatitis is a type IV response reaction. Unfortunately once sensitised, the individual can thereafter react strongly to very small insults by the same agent (so not does-related) . Skin patch testing is essential in either case and the dermatologist should be informed by a list of agents the employee comes into contact with both at work and at home. Occupational dermatitis is common in: Cleaning industry, Hairdressing, Agriculture, Chemical Industry, Health care (hand disinfectants, hand washing, radiation and gloves). Physical agents including chronic trauma and UV. Chemical agents typicaly: detergents, solvents, alkalis. ** pathergy is the formation of skin ulcers from small cuts or bruises due to trauma