Occupational dermatoses--an update

Abstract

Occupational dermatosis is a common occupational disease. Contact dermatitis is its commonest presentation. New chemicals are introduced into the industry every year. Often they are potential skin irritants and allergens. Besides contact dermatitis, these chemicals can cause serious systemic effects which sometimes produce cutaneous manifestations e.g. chloracne and scleroderma. Prevention remains the most effective way of reducing the incidence of occupational dermatoses. Physicians should be familiar with advances in occupational dermatology in order to recognize them. This paper reviews some recent advances in this field.