Work-related dermatitis
Dermatitis describes the reaction of the skin when it becomes inflamed. There are two types of dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis can develop after a single exposure (acute) or repeated, prolonged exposure (chronic) to hazardous substances which causes irritation. Irritants can be chemical, biological, mechanical or physical. Prolonged and repeated contact with water can also cause irritant dermatitis. In some cases, more than one substance will be involved, for example water and detergents. Other examples of substances which cause irritant dermatitis are: soaps, shampoos, solvents, metalworking fluids and oils and greases.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis can occur when an individual develops an allergy to a substance. Once someone is sensitised, it is likely that it is permanent and any further contact with the substance will cause allergic contact dermatitis. Often skin sensitisers are also irritants. Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis are:
- adhesives
- wet cement
- some plants and some foods
- UV cured printing inks
Urticaria
If the skin comes into contact with an irritant, there may be an instant reaction. The symptoms of urticaria are:
- itching
- tingling or burning sensations
- rash or hives with swelling (wheals)
The itch and/or rash occur within minutes or up to an hour of contact. The symptoms disappear within 24 hours but usually within a few hours. Another type of urticaria is when a person has a reaction because of a sensitisation to a substance, for example, latex protein in gloves. There is no requirement to carry out health surveillance for urticaria but signs and symptoms should be reported to your line manager and discussed with Occupational Health who will monitor the symptoms as required.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Most skin cancers are caused by sun exposure damage to the skin. If you are exposed at work to: UV rays from the sun from work outside; ionising and non-ionising radiation or some chemicals or unrefined mineral oils there is a risk of developing work-related skin cancer or add to the risk of developing cancers in other parts of the body. Work involving specific substances with cancer risk may require health surveillance as determined by risk assessment. For UV exposure it is essential to carry out self-monitoring of the skin and if there are any concerns contact your GP and Occupational Health for further advice.
It is important to check for early signs of cancer. Try and get to know your skin and look out for normal moles and marks on your body so that you know if there have been any changes. See your GP if there are any changes and advise Occupational Health if you are concerned that the changes in your skin are work-related.