What is Dermatitis and how to get rid of it
Does dermatitis concern me?
“Dermatitis constitutes a key portion of occupational disorders in industrialised societies,” says Dr. Ai-Lean Chew, professor at University of California San Francisco. Occupational dermatitis is a common skin disease found among auto industry workers, especially those who are involved with parts cleaning, engine cleaning and brake cleaning. It can be caused by a number of irritants or allergens found in the automotive work environment. Specific preventative measures and special treatment can reduce the occurrence of dermatitis and prevent future outbreaks. “Dermatitis is a common condition that usually isn’t life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious,” say the doctors at Mayo Clinic, the leading non-profit medical research group in the United States.
What is dermatitis?
Dermatitis is a rash or inflammation of the skin. There are many types of dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis is the most common type of occupational dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis is caused by substances that irritate the skin. These substances harm the skin by removing natural oils, penetrating the skin, damaging the skin, and causing inflammation. Irritant dermatitis accounts for 80% of all occupational dermatitis. Within the automotive industry, irritant dermatitis makes up 56% of the cases of occupational dermatitis. Allergic dermatitis is another common form of occupational dermatitis; it is caused by allergenic substances. Allergic dermatitis makes up 20% of the reported cases of occupational dermatitis. Typical irritants and allergens found in the automotive industry include water, detergents, solvents, alkalis, metalworking fluids and friction-reducing substances. Individuals with dermatitis, more than likely, will have been exposed directly to these substances. Parts washers, engine cleaners, and brake part washers are most affected by dermatitis.
How does dermatitis affect me at work?
Dermatitis is a serious occupational problem for which many may need to seek medical treatment. Occupational skin diseases including dermatitis make up 50 percent of all occupational illnesses.
Effects of Dermatitis
While dermatitis is responsible for about 25% of all absences from work, it can also reduce productivity at work and reduce the quality of life at home. If can often cause individuals to seek different work where they are not exposed to these dermatitis-causing substances.
Occupations Affected
Dermatitis is more likely to occur within the automotive industry due to constant exposure to irritants or allergy-inducing substances. More specifically, parts washers, engine cleaners, brake parts cleaners, and those involved with metalwork, wetwork, and others tasks using solvents, aqueous cleaners, and other chemicals are more susceptible to contracting dermatitis.
Number of Workers Affected
In a case study of workers in a Swedish automotive factory, 6% of workers tested positive for work related dermatitis. On average, each year, among 10,000 workers within the automotive industry, 0.7 workers will demonstrate allergic dermatitis each year, while 1.7 workers will exhibit irritant dermatitis.
What chemicals can cause dermatitis?
Most workers in the automotive industry are exposed to one or more of the following irritants and allergens.
• Solvents
• Metal-working fluids
• Oils and grease
• Primer paints including zinc chromate
• Dips to prevent corrosion of nuts and bolts
• Chrome alloys used in welding
• Antioxidants used in diesel engine radiators
• Cutting oils
• Paints and enamels (especially green, orange and yellow)
• Cleaning solutions including detergents and solvent-based degreasing substances
• Automotive brake fluid
• Anti-freeze fluid
• Engine oil
What tasks can cause dermatitis?
• Frequent or prolonged contact with any of the above substances.
• Contact with tools and parts contaminated by the above substances.
• Contact with clothing and gloves contaminated by the above substances.
• Frequent use of abrasive cleaning and degreasing substances, like solvent-based hand cleaners.
• Frequent or prolonged contact with water during wetwork.
How does dermatitis affect my health?
Symptoms of dermatitis
Dermatitis is a skin rash that may exhibit some of the following characteristics:
• redness • swelling • dryness • splitting • itchiness • scaling
• peeling • burning • blistering • tingling • flaking
Dermatitis is not only physically distressing, but also emotionally distressing. Due to its unsightly appearance, dermatitis can be a cause for embarrassment. Dermatitis— ranging from being mildly itchy to severely painful—can hinder individuals from optimally performing tasks at work or at home.
How can I treat and prevent dermatitis?
Diagnose Dermatitis
If a rash occurs where the skin contacts substances used in auto repair, metal work, engine work and any aqueous cleaning task (including parts washing, engine cleaning,
and brake parts washing), it is possible that you have occupational dermatitis.
To properly diagnosis dermatitis, consult your doctor. Your doctor may administer
a patch test to identity the causes of allergic dermatitis. However to diagnose
irritant dermatitis, your doctor will enquire about your home environment, your work
environment, the history of your general health, and the history of your skin rash.
Treat Dermatitis
To treat dermatitis, first, try to eliminate or limit direct contact with substances that aggravate the skin. If your skin has been in recent contact with irritants or allergens, wash the affected area. Your doctor may prescribe moisturisers, topical
creams, emollients, corticosteroids, or oral antihistamines to help treat your dermatitis.
If your skin rash has also developed a secondary bacterial infection, your doctor
may prescribe antibiotics.
Prevent Dermatitis
At work you can prevent future contractions of dermatitis by protecting yourself with protective gear like chemical-resistant gloves, masks and aprons. You can also use barrier creams that may help reduce direct contact with abrasive chemicals. Your workplace may also be able to reconfigure your environment and equipment so as to limit your exposure to irritating substances. You should always employ good personal hygiene by washing
with non irritating soaps.
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