Atopic dermatitis in the industry

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common professional skin diseases in the industry field, and it undermines work productivity.

10/10/2024
10:48 am

We analyze atopic dermatitis in the industry.

Skin disorders account for 30% of all occupational diseases. It affects one out of every thousand workers every year. They are mainly associated with the construction, food, mechanical and livestock industries.

PRODERPHARMACARE^® knows that caring for the most sensitive skin is the first step in treating atopic dermatitis in the industry and preventing exacerbations (flare-ups). Self-care actions have to be applied to reduce itching and relieve skin inflammation.

In this sense, we will observe how prevention, hygiene, and skin hydration play a decisive role in the dermal health of workers in the industrial sector. Offering tools that improve the quality of life at work increases productivity and avoids possible sick leave, which causes a grave production problem for companies. In short, and as has always been said, prevention is better than cure.

Common problem.

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a common pathology with serious consequences for occupational activity. It is a chronic, itchy inflammation of the superficial layers of the skin that occurs in outbreak form and usually affects hyperreactive individuals.

The most common symptoms are:

Itching (pruritus).
Dry and cracked skin.
Swollen rash skin that varies in colour.
small bumps
Darkening of the skin around the eyes.
Raw and tender skin

Any worker exposed to an irritant substance without protection may develop dermatitis at some point in his working life.

Autoimmune response.

Atopic dermatitis in industry is associated with genetic variation that affects the skin’s ability to act as a protective barrier. This weakness in the protective function prevents the skin from adequately retaining moisture and makes it more vulnerable to bacteria, irritants, allergens and environmental factors. As a result of this defence lack, an immune system response is triggered, resulting in AD.

There are proven risk factors that increase the likelihood of AD and its complications:

Chemical irritants

Chemicals produce direct skin inflammation.

Hydration lack

Superficial epidermis layer alteration due to moisture lack.

Allergens

Professional allergens can cause atopic dermatitis.

Stress

Atopic ermatitis is associated with depression and anxiety.

If there is a problem, there is a solution.

PRODERPHARMACARE^® offers pretreatment solutions for the prevention of atopic dermatitis in the industry.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Gloves, protective clothing and a shield action product are essential to avoid direct contact with irritating or sensitizing substances that can damage the skin.

In particular, barrier skin creams can be a useful tool to protect the skin from damage caused by chemicals and allergens in the workplace.

Professional care:
Likewise, caring for the skin during an outbreak of atopic dermatitis is crucial for healing and preventing recurrence.

A repairing moisturizer application provides skin integrity and maintains dermal moisture. It also contributes to a healthy dermal state, while providing a soft and smooth feel.

Employee’s education and training:

Preventive training on exposure risks and good protection practices is fundamental to avoiding occupational skin diseases. It includes the ability to identify early symptoms and the proper use of PPE, protectors and repair creams.

PRODERPHARMACARE^® has a professional and specialized team that will help you apply corrective measures to improve skin health at work.
Contact us for further information.

Personal Hygiene and Cleaning Protocols:
It is essential to set and maintain proper hygiene habits, such as hand washing using specialised products that avoid aggressive effects on the skin.

PRODERPHARMACARE^® offers a Dermal Safety Program (DSP) in which we assess dermal exposure events in the workplace, creating and applying a tailor-made protocol that minimizes the risk to the worker’s health.
Get your Dermal Safety Program (DSP) here.