Occupational Dermatosis

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational dermatosis is defined as any pathological condition of the skin for which job exposure can be shown to be a major direct or contributory factor. The commonest occupational dermatosis is a work-related contact dermatitis. The aim of the study was to find the pattern and diagnosis of occupational dermatosis in our community as no such study has been carried out in Nepal.

Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 70 ambulatory patients with work-related dermatoses presented to the Dermatology Department of Kist medical. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, on lifestyle and temporal factor, the type of contact dermatitis, location and etiological factors were gathered through a structured questionnaire.

Results: More females (n=39; 60%) cases were affected by contact dermatitis compared to men (n=31; 40%), without a significant difference (p=0.5). Most of our patients belonged to the age group of 20-39 years accounting to 38 cases (54%). The mean age of patients was 34 years old (16 – 70 year), with 49 (70%) of them living in urban area and 21 (30%) living in rural area, (p<0.05). Regarding the dermatological diagnosis the most common occupational disease was irritant contact dermatitis (n=29; 41.4%), allergic dermatitis (n=19; 27.1%), dermatophytosis (n=13; 18.6 %), photoallergic (n=6; 8.6%) and miscellaneous in 3 (4.3%) cases.

Conclusions: Irritant contact dermatitis is more common than allergic contact dermatitis. Occupational dermatitis can cause significant morbidity and most cases are encountered in the younger age group. Therefore use of protective clothes, gloves should be advised to those vulnerable occupations.

Nepalese Medical Journal, vol.1, No. 1, 2018, Page: 24-28