What it is

➝ Occupational dermatitis is skin inflammation caused or worsened by workplace exposures such as chemicals, detergents, solvents, metals, rubber, and frequent wet work.

➝ It can be irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) from repeated exposure to harsh substances, or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from sensitization to specific allergens.

➝ Commonly affected workers include healthcare professionals, hairdressers, cleaners, food handlers, construction workers, and factory workers.

➝ Prevention strategies are focused on minimizing skin exposure, protecting the skin barrier, and early detection of problems.

➝ In Korea, occupational dermatitis prevention is integrated into industrial health regulations, workplace safety programs, and dermatology-led employee education.

Why it’s done

→ To protect workers from chronic hand eczema, painful fissures, and long-term disability.

→ To reduce workplace absenteeism and compensation claims.

→ To prevent allergic sensitization, which can become permanent once developed.

→ To improve worker comfort, morale, and productivity.

→ In Korea, prevention is a public health priority since occupational dermatitis is one of the most common occupational diseases.

Alternatives / Preventive Strategies

→ Primary prevention (avoid exposure):

• Substitution of hazardous substances with safer alternatives.
• Engineering controls like improved ventilation and automated processes.

→ Secondary prevention (barrier protection):

• Protective gloves (vinyl, nitrile, neoprene depending on allergen/chemical).
• Protective clothing, face shields, or aprons where appropriate.
• Barrier creams and frequent application of emollients.

→ Tertiary prevention (early detection and treatment):

• Skin surveillance programs at workplaces.
• Patch testing for sensitized workers.
• Job modification or reassignment for workers with severe sensitization.

Preparation

→ Risk assessment of workplace exposures, including review of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

→ Worker training on correct glove use, handwashing routines, and skin moisturization.

→ Baseline skin health checks for high-risk employees.

→ In Korea, companies with hazardous chemical exposure often undergo regular dermatology consultations under occupational health regulations.

How it’s Done

→ Protective equipment:

• Gloves matched to the chemical exposure (nitrile for solvents, vinyl for detergents, cotton liners to reduce sweating).
• Gloves must be changed frequently to avoid occlusion dermatitis.

→ Hand hygiene:

• Use of mild, fragrance-free cleansers instead of harsh soaps.
• Alcohol-based hand rubs (less irritating than soap) in healthcare settings.
• Moisturizer application immediately after washing.

→ Barrier creams and emollients:

• Pre-work barrier creams reduce penetration of irritants.
• Thick emollients used post-shift to restore skin barrier.

→ Education programs:

• Training sessions on early signs of dermatitis.
• Teaching correct glove use, safe handling of irritants, and skincare routines.

→ Medical surveillance:

• Regular skin checks for high-risk employees.
• Referral to dermatology if persistent dermatitis occurs.

Recovery / Outcomes of Prevention

→ Workers using prevention programs experience fewer flare-ups, less itching, and fewer sick days.

→ Early detection prevents progression to chronic eczema or allergic sensitization.

→ Long-term, workplaces see lower healthcare costs and improved productivity.

Complications Without Prevention

→ Chronic hand eczema with painful fissures, bleeding, and infections.

→ Development of allergic contact dermatitis, which may be permanent and require job change.

→ Psychological burden from visible skin disease.

→ Legal and compensation claims for work-related disability.

Treatment and Prevention Options in Korea

→ Korea’s Occupational Safety and Health Act includes skin protection guidelines for at-risk industries.

→ Companies often provide protective gloves, barrier creams, and skin health training to employees.

→ Hospitals and dermatology clinics collaborate with industries to offer patch testing and skin surveillance programs.

→ Educational campaigns emphasize the “three golden rules”:

• Protect (with gloves/barrier creams).
• Cleanse (with mild agents).
• Restore (with emollients after work).

→ Korean dermatologists frequently develop tailored prevention plans for specific industries such as electronics, cosmetics manufacturing, and food handling.

→ With Korea’s structured occupational health system, prevention focuses not just on avoiding disease but also on maintaining long-term skin resilience in the workforce.