Industrial Dermatitis
Industrial dermatitis is an umbrella term that covers a whole variety of skin disorders. If your skin is itchy, or feels bumpy and looks red with a rash, you may have industrial dermatitis.
Dermatitis is caused by chemical residues on the skin, friction, pressure or the secondary effects of abrasions, wounds, bruises, the introduction of foreign bodies into the skin; heat, cold, water, sunlight, non-iodizing radiation and electricity; plants (poison ivy) and bacterial hazards, all can cause dermatitis.
To avoid industrial dermatitis, observe these simple do’s and don’ts.
- DO wash thoroughly before and after possible contact with irritants. Include all exposed skin — not just the hands.
- DO wear clean clothes.
- DO wear gloves and protective clothing.
- DO use barrier creams when appropriate.
- DO protect yourself from the elements when working out of doors.
- DON’T touch an unfamiliar substance until you find out what precautions should be taken.
- DON’T wash with gasoline or other solvents or with harsh soaps or abrasives.
- DON’T wipe grime off with dirty rags.
- DON’T ignore skin irritations. Get immediate medical help if a rash appears.
Conclusion:
It’s your skin, you have to live with it, so take care of it and it will take care of you.
Questions:
- Industrial dermatitis is normally cause by what kind of residues on the skin?
- You can always wash your hands in gasoline and other solvents? True or False?