BDMS Occupational Health


Clinical Occupational and Environmental Medicine >Dermatology

Clinical – Dermatology

Occupational dermatoses are one of the leading causes of occupational disease in the United States. Dermatoses also occur as a result of exposure to hazardous compounds in the home environment. OEM physicians can provide early recognition, diagnosis, and management of these disorders and make necessary recommendations to minimize their occurrence both in the workplace and at home.

1. Differentiate occupational skin disorders by history, examination, and diagnostic evaluation.

  • Diagnose and determine the cause of allergic contact dermatitis (including urticaria), particularly those caused by common antigens such as latex, epoxy monomer, and nickel.
  • Diagnose primary irritant-induced dermatoses.
  • Diagnose actinic skin damage, as well as photosensitization dermatitis, including cases due to exposure to coal tar, psoralens, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
  • Diagnose occupational acne, including chloracne.
  • Differentiate work-aggravated dermatoses.
  • Diagnose occupational cutaneous infections (e.g., herpetic whitlows).
  • Identify skin neoplasias, especially as caused by coal tar, ultraviolet radiation, or ionizing radiation.
  • Diagnose occupational pigmentary disorders, including vitiligo.

2. Manage occupational and environmental skin injuries and dermatoses.

  • Treat and prevent recurrence of contact dermatitis.
  • Treat chemical burns, including those caused by caustics, acids, and hydrofluoric acid.
  • Manage occupational bullae and calluses.
  • Manage folliculitis barbae in workers who may be required to shave.

Resources

Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association CME Webinar: Occupational Dermatology. Heather P. Lampel, MD, MPH, FAAD. Duke University Assistant Professor of Dermatology. June 27, 2012

NIOSH Immune, Infectious and Dermal Disease Prevention Program

NIOSH Occupational Dermatoses Program for Physicians (114 slides and narrative with an additional 26 slides on case studies)

Kanerva L, Elsner P, Wahlberg JE, Maibach HI, editors. Handbook of occupational dermatology. Springer Science & Business Media; 2013 Jun 29