Dermatitis is irritation of the skin and can arise constitutionally or as a result of exposure to external substances. 

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Occupational Dermatitis is caused by contact with substances in the course of work. 

 

Common causes of Occupational Dermatitis include exposure to cleaning fluids, soaps and detergents, latex or rubber gloves, hairdressing products, cement, plaster, concrete, or work involving the use of epoxy resin, formaldehyde, , acrylates, glutaraldehyde and rubber processing chemicals.

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There are two categories of Occupational Dermatitis:

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1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis – where the skin comes into contact with one or more substances that cause damage.  

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The exposure could be either:

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• one off exposure to a very strong irritant causing an acute irritant contact dermatitis that settles over time, or

• repeated exposure to weak irritants causing chronic irritant contact dermatitis which can be a recurring problem.

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OR

 

2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis – where the worker develops an allergy to a substance.

 

​The worker can become sensitised leading to the development of an allergy as a result of a one off exposure or due to repeated exposure over time.  Once the allergy develops any further exposure will cause the condition to flare.  Common examples of sensitizers are rubber additives, nickel and chromates. 

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The risk of an individual worker developing an allergy will depend on:

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• ​The individual’s susceptibility to allergies (atopy) – eczema, hay fever and other allergies are markers that a person is more susceptible to developing allergic asthma, and​

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• The duration, frequency and quantity of the exposure.

 

If you have been diagnosed with Contact Dermatitis as a result of your work you may have a claim. 

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Get in touch with us now, and one of our experienced team of qualified specialist personal injury lawyers will be able to advise you further.