Recent Trends in Occupational Contact Dermatitis

Abstract

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) remains prevalent among workers and impacts quality of life and workability. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances in occupational contact dermatitis as well as potential hazardous agents in the workplaces causing OCD. The review covers new developments in the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and management of occupational contact dermatitis. This article also provides updated information on the prevalence of work-related skin symptoms and on new contact allergens among working population. It is emphasized that in the context of prevention of OCD, special attention should be focused on the identified high-risk occupational groups, especially healthcare workers and hairdressers starting with the apprentices. Current approaches include working out the standards and guidelines to improve the education, knowledge, diagnosis, and management of OCD based on a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists and an employer.

Occupational contact dermatitis in Triveneto: Analysis of patch test data of the North Eastern Italian Database from 1996 to 2016

“…Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is an inflammatory disease related to workplace exposure 1 . It represents the majority of occupational skin diseases (OSDs), accounting for 70% to 95% of all reported cases in Western European countries and is classified, depending on the etiology, into irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) 2‐5 .…”

The role of skin barrier in occupational contact dermatitis

“…Skin diseases represent one of the most prevalent occupational diseases worldwide. In Europe, they contribute to more than 30% of all recorded occupational diseases . The vast majority of occupational skin diseases is due to contact dermatitis (CD), an inflammatory skin disease caused by direct skin contact with a skin irritant or allergen.…”

“…In Europe, they contribute to more than 30% of all recorded occupational diseases. [1][2][3] The vast majority of occupational skin diseases is due to contact dermatitis (CD), an inflammatory skin disease caused by direct skin contact with a skin irritant or allergen. According to the pathophysiological mechanisms involved, CD can be classified as irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), with ICD being more prevalent in occupational settings.…”

Mechanistic Understanding of Contact Allergy

“…The prevalence is high with 15%-20% of the general population sensitized to at least one contact allergen and 5%-10% developing clinically manifest disease at least once a year [2,3]. Occupational ICD and ACD are some of the most important occupational diseases [4,5]. Many chemicals are encountered in the workplace and can cause severe problems [6].…”