Questions and Answers
Which factor is NOT considered a predisposing factor to occupational dermatoses?
What percentage of total body weight does the skin comprise?
Which skin condition is likely to affect susceptibility to occupational dermatoses?
Which of the following factors increases the likelihood of developing chronic skin irritations in older workers?
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What aspect of exposure is significant in determining the severity of occupational dermatoses?
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Skin type can influence susceptibility to certain chemicals. Which chemical is mentioned as being poorly tolerated by dry skin?
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Which race-related aspect is noted concerning occupational dermatoses?
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Which demographic is considered more prone to the prevalence of occupational dermatoses?
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What is a common result of hyperhidrosis?
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Which group is more likely to develop dermatitis due to metal exposure?
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During which condition are occupational dermatoses more prevalent?
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What is a predisposing factor for individuals with atopy?
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Which is NOT a cause of occupational dermatoses?
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Which of the following skin injuries are most common in the workplace?
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What effect does lack of personal hygiene contribute to in occupational settings?
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Which skin condition is characterized by reduced skin threshold to irritants?
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Study Notes
Skin and its Functions
- The skin is the largest sensory organ of the body, covering approximately 1.8m2 (2880sq or 19sq ft) of the body surface area, and accounts for about 15% of the total body weight.
- It is a tough, flexible cover composed of the epidermis and dermis.
- The skin is the first body barrier to external stimuli, including temperature, moisture, radiation, objects, and micro-organisms.
Predisposing Factors to Occupational Dermatoses
- Factors determining predisposing factors or severity of occupational dermatoses:
- Situation of exposure
- Potential effects of the environmental agent
- Duration and extent of bodily exposure
- Chemical stability of the agent
- Potential for absorption by or affected barrier of skin layer
- Pre-existing skin condition
- Exposure to more than one agent
- Predisposing factors:
- Race
- Age and experience
- Sex
- Skin type
- Perspiration
- Season of the year
- Personal hygiene
- Allergy
- Pre-existing skin conditions
Detailed Predisposing Factors
- Race: Some races are more susceptible to acute and chronic effects due to certain exposures (e.g., sunlight).
- Age and experience: Younger, inexperienced workers are more prone to occupational dermatoses, while older workers are more prone to chronic skin irritations due to drier skin.
- Skin type: Dry skin cannot tolerate solvents (e.g., carbon tetrachloride and detergents), while oily skin is predisposed to folliculitis and acne.
- Perspiration: Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can lead to maceration, softening, and separation of skin, but can also serve as a protective function by diluting toxicants.
- Sex: Women are more susceptible to nickel sensitivity due to ear piercing, and female cashiers are more susceptible to developing dermatoses due to handling coins.
- Seasons and humidity: Warm weather can lead to increased exposure to external irritants, while cold weather can lead to dry, itchy skin and cracking.
- Personal hygiene: Lack of regular bathing and change of clothes can contribute to occupational dermatoses.
- Heredity allergy (atopy): Atopy individuals are easily predisposed to development of dermatitis due to characteristics such as reduced skin threshold to chemical irritants, inherent dry skin, dysfunctional sweating, and high skin colonization rate with bacterium such as Staphylococcus aureus.
- Pre-existing skin diseases: Other forms of skin irritating conditions, such as eczema, non-occupational contact dermatitis, and palmar psoriasis, can increase the risk of occupational dermatoses.
Occurrence and Causes of Occupational Dermatoses
- Occupational dermatoses can occur in all ages and genders, causing illness, personal misery, reduced productivity, and reduced profits.
- Most common skin injuries in the workplace include lacerations and skin punctures, which can predispose workers to infections.
- Causes of occupational dermatoses:
- Chemical agents
- Mechanical causes
- Physical agents
- Plant agents (poisons)
- Biological agents
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of human skin, its functions, and predisposing factors to occupational dermatoses. Learn about the skin's structure, barrier functions, and factors that can lead to skin disorders in the workplace.
