Dermatitis

What is it?

There are many different type of types of dermatitis the main ones being:-

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of dermatitis. It often runs in families and is linked to other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.

Contact dermatitis is another type. This is generally caused as a result of contact with an irritant or an allergen. Contact dermatitis causes the skin to become red, blistered, dry, scaly and cracked. This reaction will usually occur with a few hours or days of exposure to an irritant or allergen.

How does it affect people

Atopic dermatitis can affect any part of the body, but the most common areas to be affected are backs or fronts of the knees; outside or inside of the elbows; around the neck; hands; cheeks; scalp. People with atopic dermatitis usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe (flare ups)

Contact dermatitis can occur on any part of the body, but it usually affects the hands, feet, and groin. Contact dermatitis usually does not spread from one person to another, nor does it spread beyond the area exposed to the irritant unless affected skin comes into contact with another part of the body.

How is it treated?

There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, but treatments can ease the symptoms. Many individuals find their symptoms naturally improve as they get older. The main treatments for atopic dermatitis are emollients (moisturisers) which are used every day to stop the skin becoming dry. Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments can be used to reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups. Other treatments may involve antihistamines where severe itching is identified.

There are several ways to treat contact dermatitis, including reducing exposure to irritants, avoiding allergens, emollients, topical corticosteroid creams and oral corticosteroids.

How might it affect work?

An individual may be more at risk of contact dermatitis if they work with irritants as part of their job, or if their job involves a lot of wet work. If they develop the condition because of a substance they work with, it may be referred to as occupational irritant dermatitis.

Common triggers for these conditions can be soaps and detergents; antiseptics and antibacterials; perfumes and preservatives in toiletries or cosmetics; solvents; oils used in machines; disinfectants; acids and alkalis; cement; powders, dust and soil; water – especially hard, chalky water or heavily chlorinated water; many plants.

What do I have to do as a manager?

You should ensure that your employees have minimal amount of exposure during their time in work. Encourage them to avoid contact with irritants where possible. In the event of contact ensure that they can rinse the affected area. Encourage the use of protective clothing where there is the possibility of contact with known irritants or allergens. Look at removing products where practical and replacing them with non irritants. Ensure that barrier creams and emollients are available for individuals to use, which may be part of hand care regime.