Selected topics related to occupational exposures. Part III. Occupational dermatology
Occupational skin disorders are very common and are a surprisingly frequent cause of lost work time. Failure to suspect an occupational cause can lead to repeated treatment failure and needlessly prolong patient misery and frustration. Primary care providers play a key role in recognizing possible occupational causes and arranging appropriate education, preventive measures, and treatment. Occupational skin conditions often occur in nonindustrial settings in workers such as hairdressers, health care personnel, and food handlers. Irritant contact dermatitis is by far the most prevalent occupational skin condition and is emphasized in this article. Allergic contact dermatitis, infections, skin cancers, and acneform eruptions may also have significant occupational associations. We will present criteria that suggest on occupational exposure, list common offending agents, and review the clinical presentations and relevant pathophysiology. We provide guidance on a directed history and physical examination and suggest when diagnostic testing is most likely to have value. Finally we outline preventive measures such as contact avoidance, barrier creams, and protective gloves and address therapy and indications for referral.
Leikin
JB
Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Davis
A
Klodd
DA
Thunder
T
Kelafant
GA
Paquette
DL
Rothe
MJ
Rubin
R