Contact dermatitis is becoming more and more common, affecting almost 10% of the UK working population according to the National Eczema Society. And the main reason for people developing it is down to the job they do. It is caused by contact with something that irritates your skin when you touch it or an allergic reaction to a substance upon contact.

Popular substances and materials that cause contact dermatitis are fuels such as petrol and diesel, fibreglass, turpentine, solvents, oils, varnishes, paints, glue and hair dye. Even some foods and plants can cause it, as well as heavily-chlorinated water. The list probably runs into the thousands and anything with chemicals in can cause the skin condition. You could be working with something for years and not have any skin problems before it develops suddenly. And once it starts, it can be very difficult to get rid of.

Some of the most likely professions to be affected by dermatitis from their work include:

• Nurses
• Health care workers
• Beauticians
• Florists
• Construction workers
• Cleaners
• Mechanics
• Plumbers
• Plasterers
• Joiners
• Factory workers
• Cooks and chefs
• Agricultural workers
• Dentists and dental nurses

Anyone working with lots of chemicals stands a much greater chance of developing the condition. Symptoms include itchy, inflamed hands and arms with dry, split skin and in severe cases there will be weeping sores, lots of cracking of the skin and it will be intensely painful as well as itchy. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body if left untreated and become atopic dermatitis. If you have ever suffered from other allergies such as asthma or hay fever you are more likely to get contact dermatitis.

If you work regularly with chemicals or have to expose your skin to potentially damaging substances, you should wear protective clothing. Latex gloves will do the job in most cases but thicker industrial gloves may be required when regularly handling lots of industrial chemicals. Health and safety regulations now say adequate precautions must be taken by employers and employees must be given the correct safety equipment for their role including boots, goggles and overalls as well as gloves.

The environment you work in can have an effect too. Very dry conditions can trigger dermatitis as can being very sweaty. Constantly working in wet areas can make the problem worse as well, as will continuous exposure to the substance causing the condition.

Cases of contact dermatitis are increasing too, with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures for 2010-2012 revealing there were approximately 350,000 new diagnoses of work-related skin disease in the UK. 77% of these were for contact or occupational dermatitis. Most incidents are for the hands being affected by the condition, and the figures show women are more likely to suffer then men.

If you believe you could have dermatitis as a direct result of your work, you may be entitled to claim for compensation. Please call us on 0800 028 2060 or contact us here for more details.