Occupational
Dermatology comprises a large variety of skin eczemas
related to the professional activity of the patient. Our central focus is
careful and comprehensive diagnosis in order to provide social insurance plans
with the best possible foundation for assessing continued work processes.
Symptoms and affected organs
In Dermatology, occupational diseases mostly
affect the skin but can also affect the airways.
Ekzemas
Occupational allergies of the skin primarily
manifest themselves as eczema, rarely as hives (urticaria). Among the most
important triggers are epoxy resins, cement, rubber-containing substances,
ingredients of cooling lubricants (metallurgy), nickel and hair dyes (occupational
eczema in hairdressers).
Most contact eczemas that develop as a result of occupational exposure are not
allergies but are caused by leaching and irritation of the skin due to frequent
contact with these cutaneous irritants.
One also speaks of dry skin eczema.
Allergies of the airways
These mostly involve an allergy to meal dust in
bakers or confectioners. It results in inflammation of the nose, eyes, or the
lower respiratory tract manifested as asthma (meal rhinitis, or baker’s
asthma). Allergies to isocyanates, chemicals found in spray paints or
varnishes, are relatively common. Fine particulate latex dust can also cause
severe allergic reactions and asthma. The causes of these allergies are
clarified in conjunction with pulmonary medicine specialists at the Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Zurich.
Treatment
Therapeutic salves, light, or radiation may be
used to alleviate symptoms.
