Introduction

If you, a friend or family member is suffering from occupational dermatitis or you believe that you exhibit the symptoms of the condition, this website will help by providing useful information and advice. Detailed information includes the different types of occupational dermatitis, how the condition is caused, what the typical symptoms are, how it can be diagnosed and treated and which professions are particularly at a high risk of their employees developing occupational dermatitis.

Occupational Dermatitis Definition

Occupational dermatitis is a form of industrial disease which is caused by an allergen or irritant coming into contact with the skin in the workplace environment and causing the various symptoms of the condition to develop.

There are two main forms of occupational dermatitis – irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

The symptoms can vary but typically they will involve a reddening of the skin along with irritation, scaling or flaking of the skin, blistering, and swelling, cracking and weeping. If the condition is left untreated the blisters could burst and become infected.

Any part of the body can be affected by occupational dermatitis but it is typically the hands, face or neck that would be at the highest risk because the skin is most often exposed in these areas in the workplace.

It is not a contagious industrial disease but dermatitis can spread to other parts of the body so it is important to seek treatment at an early stage to prevent it spreading and attempt to entirely eradicate the condition.

If you believe that you are exhibiting the symptoms of dermatitis you may wish to visit your GP who will help to make a diagnosis (potentially of occupational dermatitis) and will assist with treatment and advice on how to prevent the condition for re-occurring or worsening.