Skin Conditions
Keep your skin healthy
According to the CDC, more than 13 million U.S. workers are potentially exposed to chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. Dermal exposure to hazardous agents can result in a variety of occupational diseases and disorders, including occupational skin diseases (OSD) and systemic toxicity.
OSD are the second most common type of occupational disease and can occur in several different forms including:
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD) – A non-immunologic reaction that manifests as an inflammation of the skin caused by direct damage to the skin following exposure to a hazardous agent. ICD may be caused by phototoxic responses (e.g., tar), acute exposures to highly irritating substances (e.g., acids, bases, oxiding/reducing agents), or chronic cumulative exposures to mild irritants (e.g., water, detergents, weak cleaning agents).
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) – An inflammation of the skin caused by an immunologic reaction triggered by dermal contact to a skin allergen. ACD may be caused by industrial compounds (i.e. metals, epoxy and acrylic resins, rubber additives, chemical intermediates), agrochemicals (i.e. pesticides and fertilizers), and commercial chemicals.
Types of Skin Conditions
Athlete's Foot - Athlete's foot is an infection of the skin and feet typically characterized by skin fissures or scales that can be red and itchy.
Burns and Rashes - Burns and rashes are injuries to skin tissue that can be caused by fire, the sun, chemicals, heated objects or fluids, electricity, or other means.
Cold Sores - Cold sores (fever blisters) are a painful infection, found typically on the lips, gums, and around the mouth, and can be transmitted to others through kissing or sharing utensils, towels, or razors with someone who is infected.
Eczema - Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a skin condition which involves dry, red, and itchy patches of skin. may be accompanied by hay fever or asthma, and can be the result of a malfunctioning immune system.
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak - Poison Ivy and Poison Oak are types of plants that can cause a red, uncomfortable, and irritating rash when a person comes into contact with its leaves or the oil (urushiol).
Ringworm - Ringworm is a fungal infection characterized by a red ring of that develops on the top layer of the skin. It gets its name from the ring that can appear, but it has nothing to do with an actual worm.
Skin Infections - Skin infections can occur in many different forms, and they affect people of all ages. Luckily, there are a variety of skin care treatments and therapies available to medicate, care for, and cure infections.
Sunburn - A sunburn is skin damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause redness and mild to severe pain.
Wound Care - A wound is a break in the skin, usually caused by cuts or scrapes. Different kinds of wounds may be treated differently from one another, depending upon how they occur and level of severity.
