Take Home Messages:

Occupational contact dermatitis is a common cause of work-related disability. Workers required to be in frequent contact with water are most at risk.

Most people recover from this condition without permanent damage. The factors associated with a worse prognosis are:

• Delay in treatment;
• Allergic reaction to nickel or chromium; and
• Poor understanding by the worker of the disease.

Therefore, education of at-risk workers about the condition and early treatment of it are essential.

Why the article matters:

Occupational contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by contact with certain materials. It is mostly found on the hands, but the face can also be affected.   The condition can have a significant impact on a patient’s work and lifestyle.

There are two types of contact dermatitis:

• Allergic contact dermatitis; and
• Irritant contact dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis usually develops slowly following repeated exposure to a substance. Irritant dermatitis is caused by the direct effect of a certain material on the skin.

The article explains:

• How many workers are affected by occupational contact dermatis;

• What causes this condition;

• Which workers are at the greatest risk;

• The likelihood of recovery; and
• Assessment of disability.

Summary of article information:

Number of workers affected

• Up to 10% of the population is affected; and
• Irritant contact dermatitis is more common than the allergic type.

Common causes of occupational contact dermatitis

• Soap, water, solvents, greases;
• Friction;
• Highly alkaline materials;
• Strong acids; and
• Powerful oxidizing or reducing agents.

Diagnosis is made by a skin patch test performed by a doctor.

Workers at greatest risk

• Irritant contact dermatitis affects the young;
• Higher incidence among female workers;
• Caucasians are affected at a greater rate;
• People with a history of skin conditions such as eczema have increased risk; and
• Employees who work with water on a regular basis.

Likelihood of recovery

• Studies have shown that 78-84% of patients recover without permanent damage;
• Factors associated with a worse prognosis;
  • Delay in treatment;
  • Allergic reaction to nickel or chromium; and
  • Poor understanding by the worker of the disease.
• Older workers report spending more time away from work due to skin disease.

Original research:

Occupational contact dermatitis- etiology, prevalence, and resultant impairment/disability

Belsito DV.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Aug;53(2):303-13. Review.

Link to Pubmed abstract