Hand Dermatitis - Occupational Dermatitis Claims
Hand dermatitis is not one specific type of eczema as is atopic dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis. Any type of eczema that develops on the hands can be classified as “hand dermatitis.” Why this special classification? Hand dermatitis often has unique causes — frequently job-related — and can require special treatment considerations.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms may initially come and go. Without treatment and preventive measures, hand dermatitis can become severe. The following are common signs and symptoms:
- Dry, chapped hands (may be first sign)
- Later the hands tend to develop patches of red, scaly, and inflamed skin that can itch
- Itchy blisters or other lesions may form, skin may crack and weep
- Pus-filled lesions, crusting, and pain if skin becomes infected
- Can spread beyond the hands, particularly to the forearms and feet, if a skin infection develops or an allergic reaction is not treated
- Deformed nails when hand dermatitis persists for a long time
Who gets it?
- Newborns to senior citizens develop hand dermatitis.
- Estimates indicate that between 2% and 10% of Americans have some form of hand dermatitis and hand dermatitis may account for 80% of all job-related skin conditions.
- Women may develop it more often according to several studies. The reason: Women tend to work in occupations that involve frequently immersing their hands in water, such as nursing and hair styling. It is believed that 1 in 3 nurses has hand dermatitis.
- Between the ages of 20 and 39, it appears that hand dermatitis is most common, according to one study.
Causes
Hand dermatitis usually does not have one clear-cut cause. It appears that many factors interact, including:
- Genes. A tendency to develop skin reactions or a certain type of eczema is often inherited.
- Irritation. With repeat use or short but heavy exposure, numerous everyday items can irritate skin. Water is probably the most common irritant. Frequent hand washing or immersing the hands in water too often can remove protective oils from the skin. When the oils are removed faster than they can be replaced, the skin becomes less pliable and more susceptible to hand eczema. For more information about potential irritants, visit Contact Dermatitis.
- Allergy. An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to something that does not cause everyone’s immune system to overreact. Common allergens (substances that cause an allergic reaction) that lead to hand dermatitis include nickel, Balsam of Peru (added to fragrances, foods, and skin care products), rubber, and topical vitamin E. For more information about potential allergens, visit Contact Dermatitis.
- Poor glove hygiene. Wearing gloves can protect the skin from substances found in the workplace and while working around the home. However, slipping gloves on and off may allow irritants or allergens to get inside the gloves. This can trigger a flare-up. If this occurs, be sure to talk with a dermatologist about best practices for wearing gloves.
Treatment
Before prescribing a treatment plan, a dermatologist considers several factors, including the test results, extent and severity of the hand dermatitis, past treatment, patient’s age, and the patient’s preference. A treatment plan often involves using medication as directed and adding preventive measures.
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'No-win, no-fee' changes announced by Ken Clarke
Date Posted : 14/04/2011
Does it matter what type of claim you have?
So if I have a road accident would it make any difference than say, a claim for occupational Dermatitis?
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'No-win, no-fee' changes announced by Ken Clarke
Date Posted : 31/03/2011
No Win, No Fee as we know it, is changing soon. Solicitors will be forced by the Government to take a percentage of their clients compensation.
If you are thinking of making a claim for compensation...DO IT NOW BEFORE THE PROPOSED CHANGE.
S
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I have eczema...help!
Date Posted : 17/08/2010
A.C.V. Apple Cider Vinegar
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Skin Claim?
Date Posted : 06/08/2010
I hadn't worked for my employer for two years and yes, I am pursuing a claim. It looks as if they haven't provided sufficent protection for my hands. It's on going...but being dealt with.
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hand rash
Date Posted : 04/08/2010
as far as i know, and from what i've read on these threads - you've done the right thing so far. it's all about gathering as much evidence a s possible - gettin it reported on your work file, reported on your medical records etc...as for your hands try toothpaste to get rid of any itch.
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Hidden in coins, bras and chocolate...the metal that triggers a life-wrecking allergy
Date : 15 Mar 2011
When Marti Stanley tells people broccoli brings her out in a rash, their first reaction is that it’s just an excuse to avoid it.
When she goes on to tell them that green beans, spinach, shellfish, raspberries, pulses or pears have an equally nasty effect, they clearly think she’s neurotic.
And if she adds that anything from a can (food or drink), and even chocolate, risks triggering an anaphylactic shock, there can be no doubt: she’s the dinner party guest from hell. ‘I’m used to being thought of as difficult,’ says Marti, 49, who lives in South-West London.
Source : www.dailymail.co.uk
Link : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1366316/Hidden-coins-bras-chocolate--metal-triggers-life-wrecking-allergy.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Pharmaceutical company to pay over £100,000 for exposure to hazardous substances
Date : 16 Feb 2011
Catalent UK Swindon Zydis Limited (trading as Catalent Pharma Solutions) was ordered to pay over £100,000 in fi nes and costs in December 2010 for exposing ten of its employees to Olanzapine, a hazardous substance. Charges were brought under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and four different regulations in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
Source : www.lexology.com
Link : www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=752db906-8d3a-4a0e-9d31-875966066112
Mum's horror cement burns
Date : 16 Feb 2011
MUM Jane Dobson was left with these horrific injuries to her legs after kneeling in wet B&Q cement while carrying out DIY in her own kitchen.
Jane, 46, was left in so much agony she feared her legs "were going to explode" after the corrosive cement soaked through her trousers.
She had bought the cement from B&Q to lay a new floor in her kitchen and when she knelt in it the liquid began burning her flesh.
Source : www.thesun.co.uk
Link : www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3412957/Mums-horror-cement-burns.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=News
The opposite of beauty: The chemical make-up ingredients that raise risk of skin damage
Date : 12 Feb 2011
It is supposed to help women look their best.
But make-up is often so full of chemicals that it could leave them with unsightly skin conditions instead, doctors warn.
The average woman uses 12 products a day, containing 168 ingredients, according to research by U.S. organisation Skin Deep. And some can be particularly harsh on the skin.
Experts say eye shadow is among the worst offenders. The skin around the eyes is so sensitive that many women have allergic reactions to the strong chemicals in eye shadows, kohl pencils, mascaras and make-up remover.
Even polish on fingernails can irritate the eyes when women touch their faces.
Source : www.dailymail.co.uk
Link : www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1356212/Make-ingredients-risk-skin-damage.html
Dermatologists Warn That Plants Can Cause A Garden Variety Of Pesky Skin Problems
Date : 07 Feb 2011
What may start as a seemingly harmless day of gardening or yard work can quickly take a turn for the worse when common plants make their mark on the skin, causing a host of mild to even severe skin reactions. That is why dermatologists are arming outdoor enthusiasts with preventative tips to keep these perils of the great outdoors at arm's length.
Source : www.medicalnewstoday.com
Link : www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/215757.php