Occupational skin disease (OSD) is an ailment caused by labor activities or harmful factors in the workplace. According to Park et al. (2020), OSDs may manifest in various forms, starting with contact dermatitis and ending with acne or granulomas of foreign bodies. As a rule, OSDs are closely associated with such job duties as working with cleaning products, organic solvents, metalworking fluids, water, and much more.
As practice shows, various mechanical, physical, biological, and chemical factors have potential exposure to the manifestation and development of OSD. Firstly, mechanical elements such as friction or pressure cause several changes from blisters to myositis, tenosynovitis, or bone injuries. Secondly, heat, cold, electricity, sunlight, or ultraviolet radiation are physical factors that provoke systematic disorders and subsequent infections. Thirdly, among the biological aspects, it is necessary to highlight the dangerous effects of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites associated with working conditions that provoke the development of primary or secondary skin illness. Fourthly, organic and inorganic chemicals are the primary source of dangerous influences on the skin. Hence, many new substances cause damage by acting as primary skin irritants or allergic sensitizers.
In order to control the risk of developing OSD, it is necessary to use various preventive measures and changes in the process of performing official duties at the enterprise. Thus, Yashoda Hospitals (2019) recommends using antiseptics and periodically moisturizing the skin, wearing comfortable clothes and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, covering the affected areas, and avoiding scratching them. Following these tips will allow people to control OSDs in place. In this case, people should use such PPE as individual gloves, masks, eye goggles, bathrobes, aprons, respirators and much more.
Moreover, several health dangers are associated with OSD as the hazard: psychological discomfort and stress, sensory diseases, tuberculosis, and anemia. Skin cancer should be attributed to more severe conditions, which is especially common in the United States, whereas, for example, in India and China, this ailment is much less common. Accordingly, in the absence of interventions and initiatives, OSD can cause complications, impairing the quality of life and impeding performance.
References
Park, J. S., Park, E. K., Kim, H. K., & Choi, G. S. (2020). Prevalence and risk factors of occupational skin disease in Korean workers from the 2014 Korean working conditions survey. Yonsei Medical Journal, 61(1), 64-72. Web.
Yashoda Hospitals. (2019). 4 treatable skin diseases: Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer. Yashoda Hospitals. Web.