Abstract
A broad overview was offered of occupational dermatoses drawn from the perspectives of clinical diagnosis and primary care prevention. The disorders covered were those most likely to be seen by clinical dermatologists. Health statistics were briefly noted regarding the incidence of occupational skin diseases, the proportion of these diseases classified as contact dermatitis, and hazardous occupations and exposures. Specific occupational dermatoses covered included irritant contact dermatitis (clinical features, common irritants, predisposing risk factors, confirmatory tests, and references); allergic contact dermatitis including common allergens; photodermatitis including common phototoxins and photoallergens; toxic vitiligo; oil acne and chloracne; systemic urticaria, contact urticaria, and flushing; neoplasms; infections and infestations; connective tissue disorders; and climatic disorders including miliaria rubra, asteatotic eczema, and low humidity dermatosis. Methods for the prevention of occupational dermatoses were discussed, including the isolation, containment or enclosure of the process involving a causal agent; personal protection through the use of protective clothing and barrier creams; good hygiene practices on the job; and preemployment screening to check for atopy and active skin disease. Workers' compensation, impairment, and disability were also considered, with specifications listed which were the responsibility of the clinical dermatologist and the workers' compensation bureau.
