We offer personal injury compensation claims advice relating to the work related illness Dermatitis.

If you or someone you know has developed work-related dermatitis or any other industrial disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

Dermatitis or eczema is inflammation of the skin. If you develop eczema or dermatitis later on in life or if your condition worsens this condition may have been caused by your working conditions.

Work-related dermatitis is when the conditions in the workplace have caused dermatitis or made a person’s condition worse who is already suffering from dermatitis or eczema.

You are most at risk to contracting work-related dermatitis if you work in one of the following industries; manufacturing, factory workers, engineers, cleaners, hospital staff, kitchen workers, hairdressers and printers. 

The most common causes of dermatitis include coolants, oils, dyes, plants, as well as frequent contact with water.
 
If a person comes into contact with dust, chemicals or enzymes in their work place without the proper protective clothing they may go on to develop eczema or dermatitis on the parts of their body that have been exposed to these substances.

Contact Redress today and they will use their expertise in work related diseases to help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Types of Dermatitis

Allergic Contact Dermatitis is likely to occur if you suffer from very sensitive skin which reacts to certain foods and other allergens such as dust, enzymes or animal hair.

Symptoms that will occur are; redness of the skin, the skin will also be itchy and become inflamed. The inflammation is usually confined to the site of contact with the allergen, for example behind the knees or inside the folds of the elbows but in severe cases it may spread to cover large areas of the body.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis is caused by direct contact with a substance which irritates the skin. This type of dermatitis most commonly affects the hands. Irritant Contact Dermatitis is caused by coming into direct contact with irritant substances such as detergents, solvents such as glue or petrol, or other chemicals which can be found in places of work.

How can I prevent dermatitis and skin disease?

Your employer should be aware of the harm that any hazardous substances that you are working with in the work place can cause you.

Firstly, your employer should evaluate whether an alternative substance could be used instead which is safer.

Secondly, if it is not possible to use an alternative substance your employer should then arrange for you to have the minimal amount of contact with the substance by arranging the necessary precautions such as using splash guards or extractors.

Thirdly, your employer should provide you with protective clothing to wear such as gloves or overalls which prevent the substance from coming into contact with your skin. If this protective clothing is made available to you, it is your responsibility as an employee to wear the clothing at all times and protect yourself.

Treatment for sufferers of dermatitis and eczema

Although there is no cure for dermatitis, there are treatments available which can ease the discomfort and pain. Ointments and creams including steroid creams will be available on prescription from a doctor. 

How can I help to minimise the symptoms of eczema or dermatitis?

1. Take showers instead of baths
   
   
2. Pat the skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing it
   
   
3. Avoid using perfumed soaps and other cosmetics
   
   
4. Avoid contact with any irritant or allergen you notice which causes the dermatitis to flare up.
   
   

Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.

Remember, even if you’re not sure, Redress can still advise you free of charge at this stage and are here to help you with any questions you may have...