The best way to prevent both types of occupational contact dermatitis is to:

Dermatitis is a wide-spread occupational disease. Two common forms of dermatitis, normally seen in the workplace, are allergic dermatitis and contact (irritant) dermatitis. These conditions comprise up to 15% to 20% of all reported occupational diseases in this nation. Dermatitis is extremely prevalent because there are many agents which can trigger a dermatological reaction. These reactions can take the form of rashes, itchiness, or hives.

Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease and is often the result of reactions to chemical solvents. Allergic dermatitis can also be triggered by a wide variety of substances, including latex and pesticides. A person may become allergic to a material after a brief exposure or it may take many years to develop. Hives (contact urticaria) can result from either irritants or allergens. Contact dermatitis can often be distinguished from allergic dermatitis by its irregular skin configurations and by the fact that it is more likely to cause localized reactions such as itching and redness on the exposed skin.

A number of substances may induce both contact and allergic dermatitis. An example of this is latex gloves. Although latex commonly causes contact dermatitis, it may also trigger allergic dermatitis and hives. The proteins responsible for latex allergies have been shown to be present in the powder used on some types of gloves. For more information about latex allergies please call the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at x4152.

Causes

It is often very difficult to determine the specific cause of an episode of allergic or contact dermatitis. Many people are highly sensitive to specific types of chemicals in foods, cosmetics, medications, and perfumes. Some foods seem to cause hives to a greater extent than others. These include nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, berries, and milk. Sometimes additives and preservatives in the food may be responsible for the hives. Hives can also result from physical agents such as vibration, sunlight, cold pressure, and exercise. Contact dermatitis can be caused by a great number of substances including cleaning chemicals, nickel dust, adhesives, and epoxy resins.

Prevention

The most effective method of dealing with any type of dermatitis risk is through prevention. The substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer materials, whenever possible, will greatly decrease the risk of dermatitis. This may involve modifications in procedures but can often be accomplished through direct substitution. The second line of defense against dermatitis is the use of protective equipment and barrier creams. It is important to always wear gloves (powder-free, if possible) and a lab coat when working with any potentially irritating material.

It is also a good idea to wash skin with mild soap before and after wearing gloves and to keep the work place as clean as possible. Avoid handling any chemical if cuts or scrapes are present on hands or forearms.

If contact with an irritating substance does occur, immediately wash the substance off of the skin with mild soap and water. Anti-inflammatory creams may also be applied if they are available. If the case is severe, a personal physician will generally prescribe anti-histamines or oral cortisone to relieve the itching.

Report any cases of occupationally related skin reactions to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at once. If the causative agent is not immediately apparent try to consider what may have contributed to the reaction. Areas to investigate include new foods, cosmetics, medications, or perfumes. Environmental clues may include unusual smells, a new chemical, cleaning fluid, or powder in the work area, or the arrival of new furniture or rugs. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety has a developed a dermatitis questionnaire designed to aid in the identification of the source of the irritation.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

On this page

• What is contact dermatitis?
• What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?
• What causes contact dermatitis?
• When should I see my doctor?
• How is contact dermatitis diagnosed?
• How is contact dermatitis treated?
• Can contact dermatitis be prevented?
• Complications of contact dermatitis
• Related information on Australian websites

What is contact dermatitis?

Inflammation of the skin is commonly called 'eczema' or 'dermatitis'. Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with something that makes it red and inflamed.

There are 2 types of contact dermatitis:

• Allergic contact dermatitis — this is caused by an allergen (a trigger). Each time you come into contact with the allergen, the skin gets inflamed.
• Irritant contact dermatitis — also known as contact dermatitis, this is when your skin gets inflamed when it’s exposed to an irritant, usually for a long period of time.

What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?

Both types of contact dermatitis can cause the skin to become:

• cracked
• red
• blistered
• thickened
• dry
• itchy

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the rashes and skin problems Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes contact dermatitis?

Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis are nickel, plants, chemicals, cosmetics, creams and ointments.

Irritant contact dermatitis can be caused by frequent handwashing, medications used on the skin, cosmetics, dyes, chemicals, rubber and glues and plants.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see a doctor if you have a rash that doesn’t clear up, or if it is uncomfortable. See your doctor sooner if the rash is widespread, comes on suddenly or is painful.

How is contact dermatitis diagnosed?

If you think you have contact dermatitis, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist) or immunologist (allergy specialist).

It can be difficult to diagnose the cause of allergic contact dermatitis because the rash often appears days after you come into contact with the allergen. The specialist may do a skin prick test, blood test or patch testing (when patches are applied to your skin for several days) to see what you are allergic to.

There is no specific test to diagnose irritant contact dermatitis.

How is contact dermatitis treated?

Treatment involves working out what allergen or irritant is causing the contact dermatitis and then avoiding it. The rash should clear slowly once you avoid the trigger.

It is possible to have different types of contact dermatitis at the same time. You may need to avoid several different allergens or irritants.

Your doctor may recommend a moisturiser, steroid creams or tablets, or therapy such as ultraviolet light. In severe cases, immunosuppressant medication may be needed.

Try not to scratch the affected skin and keep your nails short so you don’t accidentally scratch yourself and break the skin. Your pharmacist or doctor may be able to recommend some products which can help with dry, sore or itchy skin.

Can contact dermatitis be prevented?

If you have allergic contact dermatitis, you will be allergic to the allergen for life. Preventing the rash depends on how easy it is to avoid the trigger.

The best way to avoid an outbreak is to:

• Keep your home clear of the substance or substances that trigger the contact dermatitis.
• Take steps to protect any exposed skin if the triggers are unavoidable. Try to wear protective clothing to minimise contact, for example using gloves when washing up or using cleaning products.
• Use a barrier cream to protect your skin.
• Wash your skin as soon as you come into contact with a trigger. Also wash clothing that may have come into contact with it.
• If you come into contact with your irritants or allergens at work, tell your employer so they can help reduce any contact you have with them.
• Prevent your skin from getting too dry. Daily moisturisers (emollient creams) may help. Apply these after your skin has been wet, such as after washing up, showering or swimming.
• Avoid extreme changes in heat or cold and humidity.

Complications of contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis can become infected. See your doctor if you have a fever or there is pus inside the blisters on your skin.

Which term refers to an inflammation of the skin caused by touching certain chemicals or substances?

Which of the following is an inflammatory skin condition caused by exposure and direct skin contact to allergens milady?

Which skin disease is caused by the skin cells turning over faster than normal?

Which extrinsic skin aging factor has the greatest impact on how skin ages?