Understanding Occupational Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Occupational irritant contact dermatitis, a form of eczema, is triggered when you are exposed to an irritant in the work place. Contact dermatitis is commonly red, inflamed, and itchy. It is also painful in most cases. It flares up at the skin's point of contact with the irritant. However, it can spread from this point depending on how severe your exposure was and how your immune system reacts.

There are more than 3000 known allergens and irritants that are known to cause eczema, but only 25 of these are responsible for most cases. People may have more than one trigger, but they are still able to limit their exposure and control flare ups. However, occupational irritant contact dermatitis occurs when you become increasingly sensitized to one irritant that you cannot avoid.

While you are working and exposed to the specific irritant, you will find that your eczema happens more often and more severely. At your first exposure, you may not even have a reaction. Overtime, the irritant will attack your skin through a skin weakness believed to exist in people susceptible to contact dermatitis. As the irritant begins to damage your skin your immune system recognizes the attack and releases chemicals to counteract the damage. Unfortunately, these chemicals are known to cause eczema at the point of contact. As you are exposed to the irritant overtime, you immune system will start to react more quickly and severely. This is called sensitization and it is why your condition will worsen the more you are exposed to your trigger.

Most occupational irritants are not among the 25 common triggers. This does not mean it will be difficult to identify your specific trigger. If you work around chemicals, hazardous materials, unusual metals, or if something regularly touches the afflicted skin then these are your primary suspects. For example, cleaning professionals are often irritated by cleaning solvents. Woodworkers react to certain varnishes. Beauty professionals often find that their trigger is nail varnish.

Your first step should be to speak with your employer or safety representative about your occupational eczema. They probably have experience with this problem and will have protection recommendations ideally suited for your circumstances. They may even offer to assist you with the cost of protective gear. Remember to always keep your employer informed about the status of your condition.

The next thing you should do is protect yourself. Regularly wash your exposed skin and practice good hygiene to remove irritants from your skin's surface. Try to cover your exposed skin with gloves, aprons, hats, goggles, and any other protective gear. Be wary of rubber and latex protective gear as this may be an irritant. Also, try to improve your skin's natural barrier function using lotions such as oatmeal, aloe vera, and zinc regularly.

If you do have a flare up, you will use the normal treatments for irritant contact dermatitis. Your best option is to use both medical and natural therapies. You should also look into long term techniques to detoxify your body and strengthen your immune system and skin.

It is not fair that you must be exposed to the irritant or allergen causing your occupational contact dermatitis in order to earn a living. The key to controlling and preventing your condition is to keep your employer informed, protect your skin, and keep yourself healthy. If you can identify your trigger, limit your exposure to it, and use a healthy treatment program then you will find you have fewer eczema flare ups and you are able to heal more quickly.