What are Work-Related Skin Diseases?

1. What are Work-Related Skin Diseases? Work-related diseases are more common than one would like to believe. ILO estimates up to 160 million men and women worldwide are victims of work-related illnesses. Around 30% of these occupational diseases are skin-related. The most common cause of work-related skin problems is exposure to/contact with hazardous substances, infectious diseases that may be contagious, and physical factors such as staying damp for long periods or being exposed to sunlight. As of 2020, hazardous substances were responsible for over 630 thousand deaths. One of the most common work-related skin diseases with a chemical origin is Occupational Contact Dermatitis (OCD). The disease may manifest as painful lesions or redness. It may lead to scaly skin, rashes, or even liquid-filled blisters. Workers in humid and dampness- inducing occupations are at greater risk. The first-line treatment for acute and long-term dermatitis is Antifungal Cream. Urticaria, or hives, is the condition in which swollen, pale red bumps appear suddenly on the skin due to an allergic reaction to a specific element or due to sweat and are extremely itchy. The most common symptoms of hives are throat, stomach, genital or urinary infections, and fungal infections. Skin Cancer is also caused due to chemical elements such as tar, soot, anthracene, etc. The risk of infectious diseases is also extremely high in many occupations. It is common to contract Bacterial infections among those working in dirty environments (such as sewer workers), who bruise their skin often (such as butchers), or who are in contact with infected people (such as nurses). Fungal infections include- Yeast infection: Common in wet environments and with work that involves gloves and boots. Symptoms of this condition include burning and itching. Ringworm: a dry, slightly red circle of itchy skin, usually on your leg, arm, or scalp. Athlete’s

2. foot: It develops in people who sweat a lot or wear tight-fitting shoes and socks. It is highly contagious. Antifungal Creams or Tablets can help treat these conditions. Skin diseases also have physical origins. Abrasions, friction burns, or pressure burns are common in construction workers, factory workers, and people who work on the “field.” Outdoor workers also suffer because of temperature, heat, cold, moisture- all leading to the various diseases mentioned above: several forms of Dermatitis (Irritant, or, Allergic), Urticaria, and Miliaria (heat rashes). In addition to Sunburn, Rosacea, Melanoma, and Photoallergic Dermatitis, direct exposure to sunlight can also lead to other conditions. The majority of workers with work-related skin disorders can remain at work with proper protective measures. Control measures, including personal and occupational hygiene, protective work clothing, and the use of gloves, aprons, and shields, can minimize or prevent exposures at work. Several clinical treatments are commonly used, including antifungal creams, antihistamines, desensitizations to irritants, and steroids. Aside from the costs incurred by the victims suffering from these diseases, employers also incur costs due to illness absences, training, and compensation. Due to the lack of awareness of their association with the workplace, these disorders are often underreported Source - Tumblr