Contact Dermatitis

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer provides a medical epidemiology and overview of contact dermatitis, while focusing on the risks and complications associated with contact dermatitis among workers in the construction industry. The writer pays attention to Irish laws in place meant to protect workers from exposure to irritants that may result in contact or allergic contact dermatitis. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the prevalence of contact dermatitis and looked at what actions may be necessary to mitigate risk or provide additional resources for those most at risk for contagion with this known disease.

Outline:
Introduction
Background to the Problem
Significance of Study
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Critical Evaluation Literature Related to Construction Industry and Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis, Construction and the Irish
Summary of Literature Review

From the Paper:

"As more and more construction workers develop symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis, it is more important than ever that researchers focus on ways and methods they can prevent occupational hazards from reducing one's capacity to work or their quality of life. Among the important facts noted in the literature review is the increasing prevalence of contact dermatitis in Ireland and other areas where legislation has been slow to enforce some health and occupational acts that would protect workers from exposure to chemical irritants. Cited in this literature review are cases suggesting that Irish buildings and drinking water are among the primary causes for allergic or irritant contact dermatitis among workers and civilians alike. This serves to emphasize the need for a complete review of contact dermatitis, including its many forms, and an evaluation of the current legislation in place to assess its relevance and whether legislation needs to be improved to protect workers from developing debilitating forms of this condition."

Sample of Sources Used:

• CCOHS. 1997. What is occupational contact dermatitis? Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. Reviewed: 13, May, 2007: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/allergic_derm.html
• Choi, JM, Lee, JY, & Cho, BK. 2000. Contact Dermatitis. Vol. 42, no. 5: 264-9. Medline. Reviewed 15, May, 2007: http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/10789840?src=emed_ckb_ref_0
• Cohen, DE, Brancaccio, R., Andersen, D, & Belsito, DV. 1997. Utility of a standard allergen series alone in the evaluation of allergic contact dermatitis: A retrospective study of 732 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol, Jun; Vol. 36, no. 1: 914-18.
• Cohen, LM & Cohen, JL. 1998. Erythema multiforme associated with contact dermatitis to poison ivy: three cases and a review of the literature. Cutis. Vol. 62, no. 3: 139-42.
• Diepgen, T.L. & Coenraads, P.J. 1999. The epidemiology of occupational contact dermatitis. Int Arch Occup Environ Health, Nov; Vol. 72, no. 8: 496-506.

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