Occupational Contact Dermatitis

Morbidity and mortality due to occupational causes mean that health professionals in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams have no choice but to act. Epidemiologically, in industrialised countries occupational dermatoses account for 60% of occupational diseases and chemical agents represent the most important etiology of the disease. Occupational dermatosis (OD) arises from an alteration directly or indirectly caused by occupational agents, the main dermatoses being irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, phytodermatitis, acnes, malignant neoplasms, foreign body granulomas, among others. Contact tests are the gold standard for treatment and prevention, the latter being perpetuated through collective and individual measures, through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). ODs deteriorate quality of life through the morbidity they generate and the disability they cause, which can culminate in altered function, reduced productivity and income, as well as overloading the medical and social security system.