Dermatitis is a skin condition which is often painful and uncomfortable. Showing up as red, dry, itchy skin, it usually affects the hands, but can affect other areas of skin as well. There are two types of dermatitis: contact dermatitis and allergic dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is caused by prolonged exposure to some agent that causes the condition, whether that is a chemical, or simply excessive washing of the hands with soap and water. Allergic dermatitis is the body’s reaction to a specific agent. This can be genetic, which means that the sufferer was born with the allergy, or can be caused by repeated exposure to this agent, known as sensitisation. Once a person is sensitised to something, further exposure will always result in an attack of dermatitis.
Hairdressing is one of the careers that have the most risk of occupational dermatitis. Hairdressers and barbers regularly wash their clients’ hair, which involves repeatedly wetting and drying their hands. In addition, the chemicals in hair dyes and hair sprays can cause an allergic reaction over time. This produces the risk of both contact dermatitis and allergic dermatitis at the same time. Other careers that have a high risk of occupational dermatitis because of exposure to the chemicals in dyes, inks and sprays are printing and chemical production process work.
The catering and food production industries have similar problems. Frequent washing and drying of the hands is essential for food hygiene, but carries with it the risk of dermatitis. There is then the added risk from contact with the foodstuffs being used, especially citrus fruits, spices, flour/dough and meat products.
The construction industry traditionally has had a high incidence of dermatitis resulting from exposure to bitumen, asphalt, wet cement and cement dust. Road workers, roofers, bricklayers and painters are particularly susceptible.
Employees in the motor vehicle industry may also be prone to occupational dermatitis. One of the most common causes is prolonged exposure to used engine oil, a risk faced by all motor mechanics. Also, the professional chemicals used to clean car bodywork and tyres when valeting are much stronger and more aggressive than the off-the-shelf items which can be purchased by the public. There is a very similar problem in the engineering industries, where there is frequent exposure to strong degreasing chemicals, and cutting oils used in milling, lathing and drilling metals, all of which are known to cause occupational dermatitis.
If you have been diagnosed with occupational dermatitis by your doctor or GP and it has developed as a result your job, then speak to us. We will be able to help you with a claim compensation for any lost income if you not been able to work. Complete our claim form or ask for a free call back from a solicitor. Remember you pay no up front fees and you wont have to pay a penny, even if your claim is not successful.