04 Jul Dermatitis

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin caused or aggravated by exposure to irritating or sensitizing substances or other workplace hazards. Symptoms may include redness, itching, dryness, cracking, swelling, blistering, or a rash.

Work-related dermatitis can develop after a single significant exposure or gradually after repeated contact. Some workers may also become sensitized to a substance, meaning even small exposures can later trigger a reaction.

Common Causes of Dermatitis

Workplace causes generally fall into four categories:

• Chemical: Solvents, cleaners, detergents, acids, alkalis, oils, fuels, resins, adhesives, pesticides, and other chemicals can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or chemical burns.
• Mechanical: Friction, pressure, repeated rubbing, cuts, abrasions, and materials such as fiberglass can damage or irritate the skin.
• Physical: Excessive heat or cold, sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, and other forms of radiation may injure the skin.
• Biological: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, poisonous plants, insects, and other biological agents can cause or worsen skin conditions.

Preventing Occupational Dermatitis

Dermatitis is often easier to prevent than to treat. Whenever possible, prevent or minimize skin contact with hazardous substances.

• Eliminate the hazardous substance or substitute a less irritating material when feasible.
• Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product label before working with chemicals.
• Follow required handling, storage, and hygiene procedures.
• Use enclosures, splash guards, mechanical handling equipment, ventilation, or other engineering controls to reduce exposure.
• Wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, sleeves, face protection, or protective clothing based on the specific substance and task.
• Make sure gloves are made of a material appropriate for the chemical being handled. No single glove material protects against every chemical.
• Inspect PPE before use and replace damaged or contaminated equipment.
• Avoid allowing chemicals to remain trapped inside gloves or against the skin.
• Keep contaminated work clothing separate from clean clothing and personal items.
• Do not take contaminated clothing or materials home unless they can be handled and laundered safely.

Good Personal Hygiene

Good hygiene is an important part of preventing occupational skin disease.

• Wash exposed skin promptly after contact with hazardous substances.
• Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics, or leaving the work area.
• Use mild cleansers appropriate for the contaminant.
• Avoid using solvents, gasoline, or other harsh chemicals to clean your skin.
• Dry hands thoroughly after washing.
• Use appropriate skin moisturizers when repeated washing contributes to dry or cracked skin.
• Keep cuts and abrasions clean and properly covered.

Barrier or protective creams may provide limited additional protection for certain exposures, but they are not a substitute for appropriate gloves, engineering controls, or safe work practices.

Recognize and Report Symptoms Early

Do not ignore persistent redness, itching, burning, dryness, cracking, swelling, blistering, or other unusual skin conditions. Continued exposure may make the condition worse or contribute to sensitization.

Report suspected work-related skin problems to your supervisor promptly so the exposure can be evaluated and appropriate corrective measures taken. Seek medical evaluation when symptoms are severe, persistent, recurring, or otherwise require treatment.

Remember

Your skin is an important protective barrier. Know the substances you work with, prevent unnecessary skin contact, use the correct PPE, practice good hygiene, and report symptoms early. Preventing exposure is the best defense against occupational dermatitis.