Occupational dermatosis: what it is, causes, prevention and treatment

Occupational dermatosis is any change in the skin or its attachments that is directly or indirectly related to the professional activity performed or the work environment, which can be caused by temperature variations, exposure to microorganisms and contact with chemical agents, such as rubber, derived from oil and acids, for example.

Depending on the activity performed and the work environment, there may be the development of several types of occupational dermatosis, such as ulcerations, contact dermatitis by irritating agents, nail dystrophy and contact dermatitis by photosensitization, and the treatment indicated by the dermatologist may be different from according to the person's acne. Learn more about acne and what to do.

Main symptoms

The symptoms related to occupational dermatosis vary according to the cause, however, in general the person may present wounds, burns, blisters or ulcers on the skin, redness and itching of the skin, irritation, redness and watery eyes, runny nose and difficulty to breathe and shortness of breath.

Causes of occupational dermatosis

The causes of occupational dermatosis can be directly or indirectly related to the work environment and activity developed, with a greater predisposition to happen in younger people who do not have as much professional experience and care necessary for the activity, in people who are predisposed to dermatoses not necessarily related to work and when the environment is not adequate, with no security measures, for example.

The causes of occupational dermatosis are related to the work activity performed, the main ones being:

• Contact with biological agents, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses or insects; Exposure to physical agents, such as ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, heat, cold, electricity, laser or vibrations; Exposure to chemical agents, such as rubber, petroleum products, cement, solvents, detergents, acids or epoxy resin, Contact with allergenic substances; Environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity.

The diagnosis of occupational dermatoses must be made by the occupational physician, general practitioner or dermatologist according to the symptoms presented and evaluation of the relationship between the dermatosis and the activity performed. Often the diagnosis is not made because the person does not want to consult the doctor and is at risk of being suspended from the activity, not least because occupational dermatoses are not mandatory to notify. Thus, there may be worsening of symptoms and, consequently, damage to the person.

How treatment should be

The treatment of occupational dermatosis varies according to the agent responsible for the dermatosis and severity of symptoms, and it is important that the dermatologist is consulted so that the symptoms of the dermatosis are evaluated and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated, which can be with the use of ointments and creams and medicines, for example. In addition, it is recommended to adapt the work material, use of personal protective equipment and leave from work until the signs and symptoms of the acne have been treated.

How to prevent occupational dermatoses

To prevent the occurrence of dermatoses, it is necessary that the work environment is considered safe, in addition to it being important that individual protection material is provided by the company for each worker according to the activity performed, as it is possible to avoid contact or exposure potential factors related to acne.

In addition, it is important that the company has a collective protection plan, which involves measures that transform the safe working environment, such as adequate ventilation, isolation of risk areas and automation of processes that represent a high risk of contamination for people.