Work-Related Skin Problems (Dermatitis)
Skin problems are among the most common work-related illnesses. Wet cement, epoxy, solvents, oils and even frequent hand washing can cause red, cracked, itchy skin. Some workers develop allergies so strong they can no longer do their trade.
- Concrete & masonry
- Painters
- Mechanics
- All trades
Two kinds of dermatitis
| Type | Cause | Common sources |
|---|---|---|
| Irritant | Direct damage to the skin; anyone can get it with enough exposure | Wet cement, solvents, degreasers, cutting fluids, soaps, wet work |
| Allergic | Your immune system becomes sensitized; once allergic, tiny amounts trigger a rash, usually for life | Hexavalent chromium in cement, epoxy resins, isocyanates, some rubber gloves, nickel |
Warning signs
- Redness, dryness or itching, often on the hands and forearms
- Cracking, scaling or bleeding skin
- Blisters or weeping rash
- Skin that gets better on days off and worse at work
Protect your skin
- Pick the right glove for the chemical, using the SDS and the glove maker’s chart. Nitrile is good for many oils and solvents; some chemicals go right through it. See Gloves & Hand Protection.
- Keep cement and chemicals out of gloves and boots. Tuck gloves under or over sleeves so material can’t run in, and change wet or contaminated gloves.
- Wash with mild soap and clean water as soon as possible after contact, and before eating or using the restroom.
- Never clean skin with solvents, gasoline or thinners. They strip the skin and are absorbed into your body.
- Moisturize after washing and at the end of the day.
- Barrier creams can help, but they don’t replace gloves.
Wet cement burns. Cement is strongly alkaline and can cause deep chemical burns, especially when it’s trapped against skin under knee pads or in boots. Burns may not hurt until hours later. Rinse off immediately with clean water. See Concrete Work.
When to get help
See a doctor early if a rash doesn’t clear up, keeps coming back, or spreads. A dermatologist can do patch testing to find what you’re allergic to. Report it to your employer; skin conditions from work can be workers’ comp claims. See Reporting Incidents.
Standards & references
- NIOSH: Skin exposures and effects
- 29 CFR 1910.138: Hand protection
- See also: Acids & Caustics · Solvents · Isocyanates
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