Contact Dermatitis

Although skin is the the human body's largest organ, its physiology is delicate and can be susceptible to disease especially in certain occupational environments.  Often, workers do not realize that their skin is over exposed to seemingly harmless substances until the skin disease becomes visible.  Contact dermatitis is a common skin disease that affects a large majority of workers in close contact with various irritating substances used in their specific occupation.  The Mayo Clinic offers detailed information on the characteristics of contact dermatitis, including methods for prevention.  Contact dermatitis is most often recognized as a red, flaky and itchy rash, which usually appears on areas of the skin that came into direct contact with one or more irritating substances.  Although the rash is not life-threatening, it becomes more and more uncomfortable without proper treatment.

Contact dermatitis can be separated into three different categories: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and occupational contact dermatitis. Occupational contact dermatitis refers to dermatitis caused by an substance that either irritates or produces an auto-immune allergic reaction in a worker.  Many healthcare workers, custodial workers and cosmetologists experience occupational contact dermatitis due to the various chemical substances used throughout their typical work day. It is important that workers in such occupations to take action if contact dermatitis occurs because it can lead to serious complications if not properly treated.  For example, bacterial and fungal infection can occur if a rash is oozing open.

The best way to avoid life threatening complications associated with occupational contact dermatitis, its best to take simple preventative steps. According to NHS(UK), the best preventative action is to avoid contact with the specific allergens or irritants responsible for symptoms.  However, since workers often have no choice but to interact with such substances, there are other preventative methods.  These include wearing protective clothing/equipment (PPE), applying emollients or barrier creams to areas of the skin that are susceptible to exposure, and most importantly-- routine cleaning of skin.           

Laundry detergents can be a source of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.  However, there are many detergents designed specifically for individuals with sensitive skin.

Hair dye is a common source of occupational contact dermatitis in the cosmetology industry.  Cosmetologists can prevent this skin disease by wearing proper protective equipment such as gloves.