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Occupational dermatoses are not uncommon. The 1995 Survey of self-reported work-related ill health in Great Britain (SW195) reported that 5% of self-reported illnesses caused by work are skin problems. The EPIDERM surveillance scheme for work-related skin disorders revealed 6579 new cases of skin disease between February 1993 and December 1996 which dermatologists believed to be due to, or made worse by work.
Occupational dermatitis may be broadly divided into two groups:
1 primary irritant contact dermatitis
2 allergic contact dermatitis
The relation between dermatoses and employment may be considered from two aspects:
· the effect of the common non-occupational dermatoses on fitness for work
· the effect of the common occupational dermatoses on fitness for work
Skin conditions especially those involving the hands and face, are obvious to prospective employers and fellow employees. They easily provoke aversion and prejudice, including groundless fears about contagions and poor personal hygiene.
The vast majority of dermatoses are not infectious or contagious.
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