Industrial Dermatitis

This often occurs as a result of exposure to substances such as cleaning agents, cement, mineral oils and hand washing agents. It mainly affects the hands but other parts of the body may also be affected. It occurs due to penetration of the epidermis of the skin by an external substance which either irritates or sensitises the living skin cells. Your employer has a duty to avoid usage of, or to protect you from, harmful substances with the use of protective equipment.

The 2 most common conditions are:

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis which arises as a result of skin cell damage following exposure to a given substance. The extent of the damage depends on the substance involved and the individual’s resistance to irritant contact dermatitis.

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis arises due to the sensitisation of the individual to certain substances which are also allergens. In some cases sensitisation may occur as a result of only one period of exposure and it is, by its nature difficult to control once it develops.

Symptoms include irritation to the skin causing redness, blotching, and in more severe cases, blistering and bleeding.

Typically the condition is treated with steroidal creams and the use of soap substitutes or aqueous creams. Further protection against subsequent attacks of dermatitis can be achieved by wearing adequate protective equipment when in contact with potentially harmful substances. 

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