The Pattern of Occupational Skin Diseases among Construction Workers in Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate the Pattern of occupational skin diseases among construction workers in Bangladesh. Method: This experimental and observational study was carried out at the tertiary medical college and hospital, from January 2017 to June 2019. Randomly 400 construction workers were selected from 50 construction areas situated in different cities in Bangladesh were selected as a study population. Results: During the study, all working fields are dirty or unhealthy and 3.50% of workers involved in wet works or washing, 20.75% In brick/stone works, 30.75% in cement works, 11.50% in metal work/welding, 15.25% in tar/pitch works, 8.00% in wood works and 10.25% in sand/mud works. Out of all skin diseases, (37.39%) patients were suffering from contact dermatitis, among which 28.15% was irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and 9.24% allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Other skin diseases were acne (14.29%), seborrheic dermatitis (10.92%), burn/scald (5.46%), accidental injury (7.14%), scabies (23.53%), fungal infection (Dermatophytosis/pityriasis versicolor/candidiasis) (23.53%), palmoplantar keratoderma (13.87%), lichen simplex chronicus (3.78%), pyoderma (4.20%), photodermatitis (2.52%) and urticaria (2.52 %). Among all construction workers 60% have at least one form of skin disease and rest of the workers were not found to have any skin disease. Conclusion: From the study we can conclude that, contact dermatitis is the most common and other skin diseases include fungal infection, scabies and acne. ¬ese occupational skin diseases may be prevented by providing improved work place, protective means, health education, adequate health services and improving professional skills.