What is occupational skin disease or dermatosis?
Occupational skin disease or dermatosis is skin disease due to workplace exposures to physical, chemical or biological agents.
What is the most common type of occupational dermatosis?
The most common type is contact dermatitis. Dermatitis or eczema is inflammation of the skin which is characterised by redness, swelling, fluid-filled blisters and oozing in acute stages and thickening, broken skin and colour changes in the chronic stage of the disease.
What are the different types of contact dermatitis found in the workplace?
There are two major types of dermatitis: irritant contact dermatitis caused by irritants, and allergic contact dermatitis caused by allergens
A previous medical history of a skin diseas, such as eczema, the pre-existing disease may aggravate these irritants/allergens.
What are the high risk occupations which can cause contact dermatitis?
An example of such high risk jobs and the cause of the skin disease:
What are the other common types of occupational dermatosis?
- Heat rash due to excessive heat
- Sun-damaged skin due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light
- Fungal infection
- Parasites such as mites
- Acne-caused by oil and grease
- Skin cancer caused by ultraviolet light, pitch and tar
How can we prevent occupational dermatosis?
- Always follow proper and safe work practices
- Always practise good personal hygiene
- Ensure adequate environmental conditions, such as proper ventilation and temperature
- Do not use solvents or abrasive detergents to clean your skin. Use proper skin cleansers or a mild soap. If possible, take a shower before going home
- Use barrier creams if appropriate and regular moisturisers
- Dry your skin thoroughly after work. Ensure disposable towels are provided to dry your hands
- Use personal protective equipment such as masks, boots, gowns and hypoallergenic gloves if appropriate to avoid skin contamination.
Ministry of Health Public Awareness Programme
Source: Weekend 14 Feb 2009
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