Occupational dermatitis is the inflammation of your skin which is caused by contact with certain hazardous substances or other elements of your working environment. Dermatitis not contagious, so it can’t spread from one person to another. Most often dermatitis is only found on the hands, as your hands are the most exposed part of your body at work which is most likely to be in contact with substances triggering skin reactions.

Certain substances are more likely to aggravate your skin than others. Dermatitis can develop by either regular contact with a weaker substance, or short-term exposure to a much stronger irritant. Substances that can cause dermatitis are also known as causative agents.

The list of substances and atmospheres that can result in dermatitis is much longer than this, as even repetitive and long-term exposure to water can cause the condition to develop. Of course, if you work around a causative agent like one listed above every day then it’s hard to avoid coming into contact with it. However, your employer should provide you with adequate protection such as gloves so that you don’t develop or trigger dermatitis. We understand that having any type of work-related dermatitis symptoms can be irritating, and can negatively affect your everyday life.