Occupational Skin Diseases

Abstract

Occupational skin diseases (OSD) represent 10–40% of all registered occupational diseases in most European countries, mostly comprising contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, and skin cancer as the most important OSD. Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is one of the most important occupational diseases, in general, and it is frequently present in dermatology practice. This clinical entity can be manifested as an effect of irritant or allergic reaction to certain hazards that are present at the workplace. The identification of concrete etiological occupational factor could be performed by skin tests with specific workplace allergens. The cessation of occupational exposure is the first and the most important step in the management of OCD. Occupational skin cancer (OSC) (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma) is a frequent malignant neoplasm and the most important etiological factor is occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, along with arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ionizing radiation, and trauma. The prevention of OSC should involve specific technical/organizational measures, personal protective measures, preventive medical examinations of workers, and educational activities.