Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition which causes itchy, dry and reddened skin on a recurring basis.
Symptoms and characteristics
Eczema is usually evident by a rash consisting of itchy, dry, red, patchy, scaly or cracked skin, commonly behind the knees and ears and inside the elbows.
Symptoms range from mild to severe, with some people requiring hospitalisation for severe flare ups. Others may have watery fluid or blood weeping from the rash and develop thick, rough skin over time. Due to the skin damage from scratching itchy skin, people are also prone to skin infections. Disturbed sleep patterns are common when people have difficulty sleeping due to skin itchiness.
Although eczema can flare or subside for no apparent reason, triggering factors, such as latex gloves or soaps used to wash hands, can sometimes be identified. Exposure to environmental irritants may also worsen symptoms, as can dryness of the skin, temperature changes, stress or food intolerances.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
Specific irritants which aggravate a person’s eczema may need to be identified in the workplace and exposure to these minimised or eliminated. Some options to consider within the workplace include:
- the availability of extra personal protective equipment aimed at reducing skin contact with irritants and reducing the risk of infection if the skin is broken
- having a range of gloves available for people sensitive to latex
- having alternatives available to soap for washing hands
- the provision of barrier creams to reduce skin exposure to workplace irritants
- workplace uniforms being made from natural fibres, such as cotton, which may cause less skin irritation than man-made fibres
- having workplace uniforms laundered in mild detergents to reduce skin irritation to those with eczema.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2011, Eczema explained, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 19 March 2012, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Eczema_explained?OpenDocument.
Eczema Association of Australasia Inc (no date specified), What is eczema?, Eczema Association of Australasia Inc, Cleveland, viewed 19 March 2012, http://www.eczema.org.au/info/facts.html.
MDGuidelines 1991-2010, Eczema, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 19 March 2012, http://www.mdguidelines.com.