Occupational Skin Diseases (OSD) are a huge concern and the source of significant health problems. Avoiding contact with chemicals and physical agents that cause these diseases is important to a person’s health and livelihood.

The most common OSDs are:

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: a localized rash that develops from contact with substances which dry or damage the skin

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: occurs when a person develops an allergy to something they contact; it may develop hours or days after contact.

• Urticaria or hives: also an allergic reaction, but it flares up within minutes after contact.

• These reactions can occur anywhere on the body, but most often on the hands.

Other OSD range from skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma; skin infections that can be viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic; and skin injuries, such as tears, cuts, punctures or contusions.

Some common chemical agents that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions include solvents like alcohol, xylene, esters, acetone, and ketones; metalworking fluids like neat oils and water-based metalworking fluids with surfactants; latex; kerosene; ethylene oxide; surfactants in topical medications, shampoos, and cosmetics, like sodium lauryl sulfate; and alkalis, like drain cleaners and strong soaps with lye. Some chemicals, such as pesticides and organic solvents, not only cause skin damage but can also cause serious, sometimes fatal problems within the body itself.

Some of these chemicals can cause damage the instant they come into contact with skin. Others cause problems with repeated exposures over time.

Some jobs are more likely to cause skin problems than others. These include careers in catering, hairdressing, healthcare services, dentistry, surgery, printing/press, metal machining, vehicle and machinery repair, sewage handling, construction, and chemical industries like soap and detergent products. Food and agriculture, paint, and fabric industry jobs are also dangerous for individuals who are sensitive to chemicals used in manufacturing and processing.

Protecting Yourself
For maximum protection from OSD, avoid direct contact between unprotected hands and harmful substances. Use protective equipment like gloves and aprons, and introduce controls to keep a safe working distance between yourself and these substances.

Regularly check your hands for itching, dryness, redness, or rashes to stop any skin condition from worsening. Wash your hands immediately after any contact with harmful agents. Hands should be washed after work and prior to meals, and then dried with a soft towel. Moisturizing creams should be used regularly to prevent dry, cracked skin, which is more susceptible to irritants. Follow all health and safety rules at work to prevent medical problems. A healthcare provider should be contacted if symptoms worsen.

Treatment and prevention of most OSD is simple and usually consists of the application of lotions, creams, and ointments. These help keep the skin moisturized and soft. Creams or ointments containing corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone, can be used to relieve itching and inflammation. If the problem is severe and widespread, corticosteroids may be given as pills or injected. Another way to relieve itching is with antihistamines. These counteract histamine, the chemical that moderates itching in the body.

Employer’s Responsibility
Employers are responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of employees at work. It is the employer’s duty to protect their employees and educate them about the proper handling of harmful substances. Employees should be screened for a pre-existing or a predisposition to health problems. Employers must make sure workers are adequately informed about health and safety issues. Safety signs should be posted and its rules enforced. Federal regulations require employers to keep information on all potentially hazardous materials available for reference; these references are known as Material Safety Data Sheets.

If possible, harmful substances should be substituted with less harmful agents. If this is not possible, these harmful substances need to be handled only under appropriate conditions by trained employees wearing protective clothing and using the right equipment. Again federal regulations require employers to provide all necessary safety equipment to their employees.

First aid equipment and stations should be in place in the event of injury or accident. Health and safety authorities such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) should be informed about injuries and accidents.

Workplace safety is a partnership between an employer and its employees that requires cooperation on both sides. Maintaining workplace safety can help prevent OSD. Problems of OSD may be as trivial as a temporary itch after exposure to harmful substances, to a condition as serious as skin cancer. For people who do not benefit from precautions and controls, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration may be able to help. You can find their website at www.osha.gov.