Contact dermatitis and occupational eczema caused by exposure to harmful substances at work are the second most common type of occupational illness caused by workplace factors. The substances concerned are not usually regarded as particularly hazardous to most people however a section of the population may become sensitized and react badly to these materials which include common place chemicals such as solvents and cutting fluids. Most patients with occupational skin disease go on to develop a chronic skin disease which deteriorates performance and productivity at work and adversely affects the quality of their home life. Diagnosis Employees whose complaint erupts following exposure to a substance whilst at work, but improves…
