Home All hormones How to treat occupational eczema. Occupational eczema and its treatment

How to treat occupational eczema. Occupational eczema and its treatment

Eczema of occupational origin occurs very long time and is, in fact, a chronic occupational skin disease. Having arisen under the influence of allergens with which the patient came into contact at work, the disease can subsequently be supported by street and household allergens. Thus, allergies in eczema develop under the influence of not one, but many irritants; gradually, more and more new substances become irritants, as a result of which the disease progresses more persistently. For complete cure It is not enough for the patient to change his place of work and eliminate contact with only one allergen. At the very beginning, skin lesions in eczema are located only in direct contact with irritants. Subsequently, they spread to almost all skin covers. As such, the connection with the stimulus is lost. We can say that the disease literally turns into “an allergy without an allergen,” “an allergy in itself.” Gradually, the skin in the area of the lesions becomes thicker, rougher, its pattern intensifies, and deep cracks appear in large quantities. The course of the pathology, as a rule, is wave-like; after periods of some well-being, new exacerbations occur, during which inflammatory processes on the skin become more pronounced, swelling increases, and weeping appears. At this time, the patient is bothered by very severe itching in the area of the lesions. As can be seen from the above, the manifestations of occupational eczema are very different from those of other occupational skin lesions of allergic origin. Therefore, we consider it appropriate to consider this pathology as a special disease.
In occupational eczema, the lesions are located predominantly on open areas skin, where contact with the allergen initially occurs. Subsequently, it spreads to other areas. As a rule, the development of the disease is preceded by occupational allergic dermatitis, which creates an initial allergic background. At the beginning, spots of redness of the skin appear, on which small bubbles, nodules, and weeping later appear. The patient begins to complain of itching, which in some cases can be quite strong and persistent, disrupting the patient’s daily life. As mentioned above, stopping contact with the irritant almost never leads to the patient’s recovery. When placing cutaneous allergy tests It turns out that the patient’s body has increased sensitivity to several substances at once. These circumstances can serve as very important diagnostic criteria in the clinic.
Even after recovery from the disease, when performing skin allergy tests, the latter may show positive results for a very long time, sometimes even several years. This indicates the persistence of an allergic mood in the patient’s body and the possibility of developing the disease again.
Substances that cause occupational eczema can be used in industry - various dyes, metal salts, especially nickel and chromium, various paraffins, formaldehyde, turpentine, various types glue, epoxy resins. As already mentioned, in most cases the development of occupational eczema is preceded by occupational allergic dermatitis. However, if at the stage of dermatitis the disease is quite easy to treat and can be cured in a relatively short terms, then at the stage of eczema it proceeds long and persistently, and is difficult to treat. Therefore, the earliest possible diagnosis and timely treatment of allergic occupational dermatitis should be given great attention. great attention.
Skin lesions caused by exposure physical factors
This type of skin lesion is especially common in industries where the level of mechanization is minimal and manual labor is mainly used. This various events loading and transportation, auxiliary work. Since on most large enterprises Currently, as the transition from manual labor to mechanized labor is increasingly taking place, the number of such diseases among occupational skin lesions is decreasing. As already mentioned, skin damage caused by chemicals comes to the fore. The most common disease among the described group is the so-called mechanical dermatitis. It occurs in people who are not accustomed to heavy manual labor when working with tools with a rough working surface. The disease manifests itself in the form of the appearance, mainly on the palmar surfaces of the hands, with which the work is actually carried out, spots of redness and blisters, i.e., banal calluses. After a certain time, especially with continued mechanical action, the bubble spontaneously opens, releasing a small amount of clear liquid. A shallow skin defect or abrasion remains in its place. She has bright red color and heals quite quickly.
Calluses should not be confused with the so-called callus. It is a significant thickening and roughening of the skin as a result of prolonged constant exposure to mechanical irritation. In fact, this condition can rather be attributed not to occupational diseases, but to the occupational stigmas described above. The ability to work suffers greatly or is completely lost in those cases. When deep, painful cracks appear in the callus area, infection occurs. Sometimes due to the specifics self made a large number of minor injuries and abrasions can form on the hands. If they are not treated appropriately and are allowed to be constantly contaminated with soil, this also threatens purulent infection.
Low temperatures environment may act as factors occupational diseases skin of workers of many professions, such as fishermen, miners, builders, loggers, and agricultural workers. Also, the specifics of the work may include contact with cold liquids, objects and materials. On the skin, the disease manifests itself in the form of chills or frostbite (see “dermatitis”). On the contrary, when the skin is exposed to high temperatures (working with steam, molten metals, hot liquids), typical burns develop.
With prolonged systematic exposure to direct skin sun rays professional solar dermatitis. Most often, construction workers and workers suffer from this pathology. agriculture. The first manifestations of the disease appear within a few hours after exposure to sunlight. This type of dermatitis is divided into grade II.
I degree – the appearance of spots of redness and slightly pronounced swelling.
Stage II – the appearance of blisters. This picture develops with very long exposure to the sun or in persons with particularly hypersensitive skin. In all types of the disease there are general disorders: increased body temperature, headache, dizziness, nausea, sleep and appetite disturbances. This state continues for several days. Then peeling appears in the area of the lesions, after which a tan remains. If there is already a tan on the skin, then such a violent reaction of the skin and the whole body described above is not observed.
Working with radioactive radiation leads to the development of acute or chronic radiation sickness, which is a separate very broad issue.
Occupational skin diseases infectious nature
All infectious skin lesions can be considered professional if the infection with pathogens was directly related to the work performed. labor activity. Currently, there is only one most common occupational skin infection - erysipiloid, or pig's erysipelas. We will focus on considering only this pathology in more detail.
Erysipiloid is of bacterial origin and is caused by a special type of porcine erysipelas bacillus. This pathology quite often affects a wide variety of different types farm animals, and therefore among people it occurs where work involves contact with large and small cattle, pigs, dogs, etc. Workers in meat processing plants, canneries, and the fishing industry get sick. The condition for infection is direct contact with meat, animal skins, and animal glue. For the pathogen to penetrate and the pathological process to develop, it is necessary to have minor injuries on the human skin, which can easily be obtained when cutting up carcasses with sharp objects.
As with any infectious disease, with swine erysipelas there is a latent period, which can range from several hours to several days. Most often, the lesions are located on the hands and fingers. Less commonly, the process can be localized in the area of the feet. In other places, lesions almost never occur. At the very beginning, a small swelling is detected at the site of the future lesion, which is painful when palpated. Then a spot of redness appears on the skin in this area, in the area of which the patient feels a burning sensation and pain. The brightness of the redness spot can be very different intensities– from bright red to pale pink. Subsequently, small bubbles and nodules may appear in the area of the lesion. Sometimes bubbles of quite large sizes appear. In a large proportion of patients, over time, pathological process even the joints are involved. Their swelling appears, and eventually the affected limb swells greatly and becomes painful. Nearby lymph nodes increase in size due to the development of inflammatory processes in them. At the same time, the patient’s body temperature rises significantly.
After this, the lesions on the skin acquire a bluish tint. The illness usually lasts for several days. After which recovery occurs. However, in some cases the pathological process is significantly delayed and takes chronic course. After past illness The body of a person who has recovered from the disease develops immunity, which disappears quickly, so repeated cases of infection are always possible.
Treatment of occupational skin diseases
Since most skin diseases of professional origin are allergic in nature, the first and most necessary measure Their therapy involves complete exclusion of the patient’s contact with the allergens that cause the disease. Even if this does not lead to a complete recovery, at least the patient’s condition improves, and skin manifestations become less pronounced. Occupational stigmas do not require therapy at all.
Generally drug therapy occupational diseases is fully consistent with those for similar non-occupational pathologies. Antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs, biologically active substances, vitamins, and drugs that normalize the body's immune forces are used. Eczema requires especially intensive and long-term treatment. Sometimes, with this disease, the patient is prescribed drugs of adrenal hormones.
For occupational diseases infectious origin Antifungal, antiviral, or antibiotic medications are needed.
Forecast. For almost all diseases, the prognosis is favorable provided that contact with the allergen that caused the disease is excluded. The exception is the chronic forms of eryzepiloid.
Rehabilitation activities
All patients who have suffered occupational skin diseases and have an unfavorable allergenic background should be under constant supervision by an occupational pathologist in a clinic or in special dispensaries. For such persons, constant in-depth medical examinations, in which many medical specialists of related specialties take part.
A major role belongs to the managers of enterprises where work with hazardous substances is carried out. Here, much attention should be paid to optimizing working conditions, conducting periodic health treatments.
And finally, the most important activity is the use by the worker himself of various individual funds protection from harmful chemicals and physical factors.
Prevention of occupational skin pathology
Prevention of occupational skin diseases consists of the following: key points.
1. Professional guidance. People with allergic diseases and who have relatives with a similar pathology are advised to carefully choose future profession, avoiding production with harmful factors.
2. Constant medical examinations of workers of such factories with the participation large quantity different specialists.
3. Application at enterprises of group and individual means of protection against harmful chemicals and physical factors, carrying out health-improving measures.
4. If allergic reactions occur, change your place of work and avoid contact with potential allergens.
5. Preventing the effects on the body of factors that contribute to the development of diseases: timely treatment concomitant pathologies, correction of the body’s immune forces. Prevention infectious diseases, balanced nutritious nutrition.

Occupational eczema is an inflammatory pathology of the skin that lasts a long time, with rare exacerbations. The mechanism of its appearance is associated with irritating chemicals, and people with allergic dermatitis are most susceptible to it. What are the features, treatment, causes and symptoms of occupational eczema on the hands and other areas of the body, what does it look like, how to get rid of it forever?

Features of the disease

People whose work is directly related to exposure to various substances suffer from occupational eczema. Its manifestations are especially common among hospital workers, pharmacists, chemists, and people in the field of engineering production.

Often, people with diseases such as:

periodontitis, otitis, tonsillitis and having lesions with chronic infection;
, ulcer, hepatitis, cholecystitis and other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and liver;
obesity, diabetes;
allergic rhinitis, asthma, hay fever and other allergic diseases;

The onset of remission usually occurs after cessation of exposure to irritating substances, but subject to comprehensive treatment.

Occupational and other types of eczema on the hands (photo)

Classification

Occupational eczema is divided into 3 types:

Acute form. Peak of all symptoms. Not only complex therapy is needed, but also medical supervision to shorten the period of the acute phase.
Subacute form. Symptoms become less pronounced, but with improper treatment return to the acute phase is possible.
Chronic course. Characterized by attenuation of specific symptoms. In the future, there remains a risk of exacerbation, but it can be successfully avoided by following the advice and recommendations.

In the video below, a specialist talks in detail about occupational and other types of eczema:

Causes

The development of the disease can be provoked by various chemical components, and especially formaldehyde, nickel and chromium salts, turpentine, bakelite glue, epoxy synthetic resins, cement, dyes. Against the background of the influence of bacteriological or chemical factors sensitization occurs and a specific reaction to the allergen occurs.

The dynamics of the development of the disease is usually slow, but it increases in the presence of a number of provoking factors. These include not only the diseases listed above, but also low immune status, genetic predisposition.

Symptoms

The development of occupational eczema usually occurs against the background of widespread contact dermatitis. Clinical symptoms are identical to:

redness,
the appearance of papules and vesicles,

After a period of time, the vesicles begin to open on their own, which provokes the formation of lesions on the skin.

At the initial manifestation, occupational eczema appears only in those areas that were in direct contact with the irritating factor. After relapse, other areas of the skin become involved. Sometimes the rashes become more extensive due to constant exposure to the allergen.
In areas suffering from eczema, the skin pattern gradually changes, it itself thickens and changes shade, acquiring bluish color. At this stage, cracks, peeling, and dry skin may form.
The itching does not go away and is accompanied by a burning sensation. Although erosion is no longer present, due to severe itching it is very likely that an infection will occur, which can cause or.
and emotional instability appear with a long-term illness.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic methods are based on examination and history taking, allergy tests, etc. Questioning helps restore the connection between the symptoms of eczema and the underlying cause of its occurrence. To determine the exact allergen, a series of allergy tests are performed.

If infectious foci are identified that have not undergone sanitation, consultation may be required:

Gastroenterologist;
Dentist;
Otolaryngologist;
Endocrinologist.

If predisposing factors are identified, then diagnostic techniques are supplemented by gastroscopy, ultrasound and other studies. Differentiation is carried out from streptococcal and.

Treatment of occupational eczema

In a therapeutic way

In acute and subacute stages, it is necessary to use different types of ointments and lotions that have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and weakly astringent effects. The following means have all these effects:

All lotions need to be applied several times a day, and their course is not limited to a specific period, so they are used until the weeping and swelling disappear.

After subsiding acute stage It is recommended to use agents that promote healing:

Salicylic acid.
Zinc oil.
Naftalan.
Tar.
Sulfur.

Often ointments are prepared independently based on several components at once.

A number of balneological procedures and other physiotherapeutic methods help to speed up the resorption of the infiltrate and help relieve painful symptoms.

Relieving itching is one of the important areas of therapy, since it is often painful, and through scratching there is a high risk of infection. This will significantly complicate the healing process. The following ointments and remedies help get rid of itching:

Podophylline paste.
Citric acid solution.
Diphenhydramine ointment.
Solutions of menthol or phenol.

The diet is prescribed only if there are individual indications. Ointments and other medications for the treatment of occupational eczema on the skin of the hands and other parts of the body will be described below.

By medication

Extensive vitamin therapy is carried out, and vitamins are prescribed not only orally or in the form of injections, but also as a liquid to lubricate the areas. For example, use retinol oil liquid.

For better healing and maintaining the body must be taken folic acid, tocopherol acetate, ascorbic and nicotinic acid. A course of injecting B vitamins.
For individual indications, it is possible to use hormonal agents. Particular attention in the treatment of eczema is occupied by corticosteroids, which are prescribed in tablets or ointments. But the dosages of such drugs should always be moderate, and the course should be limited (no more than 15 days).
Usage hormonal drugs and creams are considered as a last resort, therefore, they are resorted to only in the absence of effectiveness of other treatment methods.

If the stage of eczema is advanced, then other medications are used:

Antihistamines that help relieve sensitivity to the allergen.
Sedatives, if the resulting symptoms deprive sleep, provoke nervousness.
Antibiotics. Necessary for long-term eczema or the occurrence of pustular lesions.

Chronic occupational eczema should be treated using autohemotherapy. In addition, therapy is carried out aimed at reducing sensitivity immune system(for example, they give injections of calcium chloride).

About the treatment of occupational eczema on the hands and other parts of the body folk remedies read on.

Traditional methods

If occupational eczema is localized on the extremities, then you can do baths. It is better to place your hands in warm water, and first add a solution of tannin, a decoction of oak or chamomile, eucalyptus, and birch buds. It is also useful to add potassium permanganate.

It will be useful to use other traditional medicine recipes:

Boil geranium leaves in a water bath and apply to areas of eczema.
Take sunflower oil (200 ml) and add aloe juice, rosin, beeswax And laundry soap(50 g each). Over low heat, bring the ingredients to a homogeneous mass and then, after cooling, spread on the areas.
Honey is heated in a water bath, 20 ml of aloe juice and a little propolis are added. Lubricate the areas with the prepared product. This helps relieve itching and promote healing at the same time.
Areas of eczema are lubricated with sea buckthorn oil.
It is useful to make compresses based on birch sap.

About some methods traditional treatment This video will tell you about eczema on your hands:

Disease prevention

An important measure to prevent a recurrence of occupational eczema is to eliminate the very exposure factor that previously caused the disease. In the future, it will also be necessary to carry out anti-relapse treatment, which includes hyposensitizing agents, vitamins and individually recommended medications.

Maintaining a diet as a preventive measure for occupational eczema is a purely individual measure. If there are factors predisposing to eczema (for example, allergies), it is advisable to follow a certain diet. The diet implies the exclusion of allergens, sausages, chocolate, and fatty foods.

If it is impossible to prevent re-exposure to someone in your previous job, chemical, it would be rational to find a job elsewhere.

Complications

Complications of occupational eczema include:

Pyoderma, and sometimes (is a variation of it). This is the appearance purulent inflammation, which appears as a result of bacteria entering the opened vesicles. The temperature often increases, the affected areas emit bad smell. Therapy is carried out in a hospital setting.
Erythroderma is an inflammation that affects large areas of the body. Due to the serious danger it poses, further treatment comes under control and also often requires hospitalization.

Forecast

Occupational eczema, unlike other types similar disease, can be completely cured. This outcome becomes possible provided that exposure to the allergen is excluded. In other cases, long-term remission can be successfully achieved, but for this it is important to strictly follow these recommendations.

Elena Malysheva takes us into the secrets of treating eczema in this video:

Occupational eczema is a skin pathology characterized by a slow-onset inflammatory process. The very name of the disease suggests that people associated with a certain type of activity suffer from it. Occupational eczema on the hands belongs to the group of dermatoses that have an allergic etiology.

A distinctive feature of this skin disease are the factors that provoke it. The course of the disease is in many ways similar to the manifestations of other forms of dermatoses, but unlike true or atopic eczema, professional eczema sometimes goes away without specific treatment.

What causes skin disease, the main causes

With constant exposure to irritating substances on the epidermis, a pathological reaction occurs. Often the causes of occupational eczema lie in an allergy to a specific substance and the development of dermatitis.

The following categories of workers involved in the disease risk group include:

in the chemical industry;
in the pharmaceutical industry;
in construction and mechanical engineering;
in the service sector;
in hospitals.

In turn, it is not difficult to determine what causes professional eczema on the hands. Those provoking allergenic substances, as a rule, are:

Since dermatosis does not occur in every person involved in one of the above areas of activity, it is extremely important to understand why it occurs in a particular case. The causes of occupational eczema in this context will represent conditions favorable for the development of the disease. The background for the occurrence of dermatosis is considered to be internal problems in the body and dysfunction of individual systems:

diseases of the digestive system (peptic ulcer, cholecystitis, pancreatitis);
liver and kidney failure;
hepatitis and cirrhosis;
genetic predisposition;
malfunctions endocrine system;
disorders of neurotrophic regulation of tissues;
diabetes mellitus;
weak immunity;
vegetative-vascular dystonia;
the presence of chronic foci of infection in the body;
food allergic reactions.

If there are no complications and the cause of the disease is eliminated, early stage Often the symptoms of occupational eczema go away on their own, without additional therapeutic measures. Most often, its symptoms occur on the hands, less often on other open areas of the body that are susceptible to negative impact aggressive components.

How the disease manifests itself: signs of occupational eczema

As a rule, the pathology does not develop into chronic form, if at acute form eczema under medical supervision was applied complex treatment, which made it possible to shorten the uncomfortable period. However, as shows medical practice, patients often turn to specialists only when the body is unable to resist the effects harmful substances. The shifting attenuation of the disease and relapses become familiar companions of life, affecting the patient’s usual lifestyle.

Symptoms of occupational eczema give you an idea of how it manifests itself. this pathology. As already mentioned, the disease is most often diagnosed against the background allergic dermatitis. Clinical picture dermatosis on the hands is in many ways similar to the idiopathic form.

Just as in that case, the patient experiences:

swelling or swelling of the arm;
noticeable hyperemia;
development of papular-vesicular nodes;
burning.

Later certain period The blistering formations open up on their own, and in their place weeping erosive foci are formed. Features of the symptoms of this disease on the hands are:

The first manifestations of dermatosis occur in the immediate areas of contact with the irritant. With repeated manifestations of the disease, each time more and more other areas of the epidermis are involved. Constant exposure irritating factor causes extensive damage.
In the affected areas, the skin pattern changes over time, its natural tone and thickness become different. Achieving remission is accompanied by cyanosis on the skin, the formation of cracks, dryness and peeling of the upper epithelial layer.
Itching is the main thing alarming symptom professional eczema. Despite the staged nature of the disease, scratching wounds can lead to pyoderma and impetigo caused by streptococcal infection.
Irregularities at work nervous system, insomnia and lack of psycho-emotional comfort, mental instability.

How do you start treatment for dermatosis?

To begin treatment for occupational eczema on the hands, the doctor must be one hundred percent convinced of the diagnosis. A preliminary examination and medical history are not sufficient measures to make any medical “verdict.” As a rule, the decisive moments are most often scrapings from the affected areas, dermatoscopy and allergy tests.

Upon confirmation bacterial infection The attending physician will also advise you to consult with a specialist:

dentist;
endocrinologist;
gastroenterologist;
otolaryngologist.

If necessary, all studies prescribed by specialists are performed, which make it possible to differentiate the disease from others. skin pathologies. Treatment of occupational eczema depends on the stage and severity clinical case. Complexes of drugs are used, the purpose of which is to provide anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and immunostimulating effects.

Local treatment of eczema: ointments, creams, solutions

For occupational eczema, astringents and antipruritics, which are used as lotions, are also of great importance. Unlike most drugs for external use, these are approved for use even at the weeping stage, until complete recovery.

The most popular solutions are:

In the normal course of the disease, without complications and the addition of a bacterial infection, wound-healing drugs are indicated, aimed at relieving inflammation and starting regenerative processes.

Use non-hormonal ointments and cream:

For extensive lesions, instead of non-hormonal drugs Corticosteroids are prescribed first. IN advanced cases Medicines are used not only locally, but also orally.

Most often, external ointments are used for professional eczema:

Unlike non-hormonal agents, medications containing corticoids cannot be used for a long period of treatment. The course of use of steroid ointments, as a rule, does not exceed 2 weeks. U hormonal ointments and creams have many contraindications and side effects Therefore, such drugs are prescribed by a doctor; it is not recommended to use them without permission.

Other drugs for the treatment of eczematous manifestations

To strengthen the common and local immunities The treatment regimen must be supplemented with vitamin-mineral complexes, which include the following beneficial substances:

retinol;
vitamins of group B, A, C;
nicotinic acid;
tocopherol acetate;
folic acid.

In case of extensive lesions at an advanced stage, other medicines:

Antiallergic tablets, drops. The purpose of the antihistamine course is to reduce sensitivity to the allergen, reduce itching, burning and swelling. Claritin, Azelastine, Citrine, Zyrtec, Cetirizine, Telfast, Erius are in demand.
Sedatives. For sleep disturbances, nervousness and irritability, the doctor prescribes medications to stabilize the patient’s psycho-emotional background (Novopassit, Sedaten, Persen, valerian tincture).
Antibacterial agents. They are mandatory components of treatment in the event of a microbial infection. Drugs are prescribed for local or systemic therapy, including Tetracycline, Oxycort, Flucinar, Levomekol, Triderm, Erythromycin, Fucidin.

Alternative medicine in the treatment of occupational eczema

Treatment of occupational eczema with folk remedies is another way to get rid of the uncomfortable symptoms of the disease. In combination with drug influence alternative therapy will help speed up the process of removing infiltrate. Most homemade formulations can relieve painful itching, which is the cause of skin damage due to scratching and the highest risk of bacterial or microbial infection.

It is worth noting the following folk recipes for occupational eczema:

Herbal decoction. Currant, viburnum and geranium leaves are poured with boiling water, put on fire and brought to a boil. The prepared and cooled decoction is used to wash the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day.
Compress made of vegetable oil and aloe. The basis for this remedy can be sea buckthorn, unrefined sunflower or olive oil. At 2 tbsp. l. vegetable fat take 4 tbsp. l. gruel from agave leaf, mix thoroughly and apply a compress to the affected areas of the epidermis. The procedure is repeated once a day for 2 weeks.
Potato compress. The product is prepared from raw root vegetables, grated fine grater and mixed with honey. The mixture is spread on the sore skin and left to act for half an hour. The composition helps relieve itching and redness.
Lotions with birch sap. The liquid is used in pure form, and is applied to eczematous manifestations using a cotton pad. The procedure should be repeated 2-3 times a day.
Infusion of calendula and St. John's wort. The product is prepared in a ratio of 2 tbsp. l. dry herbal collection for 500 ml of water. Place on the fire, bring to a boil and immediately remove from the stove, let it brew for a couple of hours and use to wash the wound surface.

Elementary methods of disease prevention

Like any other disease, dermatosis is easier to prevent, because the treatment of occupational eczema is a long process that requires integrated approach. Special attention prevention of skin disease deserves.

Occupational eczema – cutaneous inflammatory disease, arising against the background of prolonged work with chemical, physical, mechanical factors. At the same time, the polymorphic rash and itching typical of eczema quickly disappear after stopping contact with the provoking factor. This disease is typical for workers in the metallurgical industry, pharmaceutical, food, chemical enterprises, and for people in constant contact with chemicals (cleaners, nurses, agricultural workers).

Reasons

Occupational eczema occurs as a result hypersensitivity to a certain chemical element. Often, the first contacts with a chemical occur without the appearance of symptoms of illness, but as the substance accumulates in the body, an allergic predisposition is formed, which over time develops into full-fledged eczema. People with medical conditions are more likely to become sensitized to a chemical at work gastrointestinal tract, others allergic diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, lability of the nervous system.

At the beginning of the disease, sensitization develops to only one substance, but over time, the allergy transforms from monovalent to polyvalent. Treating polyvalent eczema is much more difficult, so it is important to contact a specialist about the problem in a timely manner.

Clinical picture

The clinical picture of occupational eczema is in many ways similar to the symptoms of true eczema. When exposed to a provoking factor, the skin turns red and gradually swells. Then nodules and bubbles appear on it. After the shell of the bubbles is destroyed, inflamed, eroded areas remain in their place, on the surface of which liquid appears (wetting). The rash is accompanied by severe itching.

The disease is chronic, with new waves of rashes after contact with the provoking factor. In the first episodes of the disease, a rash appears in the place of direct contact with the allergen (on the arms, face, legs), then the rash begins to occupy a large area. Over time, the skin in the affected areas becomes dense, dry, acquires a bluish color and becomes covered with small cracks. In case of injury, a secondary infection may occur and the development of pyoderma and erysipelas. The rash quickly disappears after stopping contact with the allergen (change of job, vacation).

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease includes several important stages:

examination and analysis of symptoms allows one to suspect eczema;
detection of a connection between the disease and occupational hazards;
Using dermoscopy, the doctor carefully examines the patient’s skin, analyzes the shape, structure and depth of the lesions;
allergy tests are carried out to identify the triggering factor.

In addition to the above research methods, a parallel search is carried out concomitant pathology and foci of secondary infection. This may require consultation. narrow specialists: gastroenterologist, neurologist, surgeon and others.

Treatment

Often, patients come to a specialist with an already polyvalent allergy, so treating occupational eczema is a difficult task. You cannot simply get rid of the provoking factor; you need to try to reduce the predisposition to the appearance of foci of rashes, prevent the worsening of the disease and the addition of a secondary infection.

Tablets for occupational eczema of various locations (on the hands, face, other areas) include a whole range of medications:

Antihistamines: clemastine, loratadine, diphenhydramine, chloropyramine - block the receptors of the main component of the allergic reaction - histamine. They help reduce swelling, redness and itching.
Calcium and sodium thiosulfate preparations are used to relieve swelling and exudation.
At the same time, correction of the neurological status is carried out: sleep is normalized, lability of the nervous system is reduced. For this purpose, preparations of valerian, peony, and motherwort are used. For more serious disorders, tranquilizers (phenazepam, nozepam, diazepam and others) are used.
For severe eczema, glucocorticosteroid drugs (prednisolone, betamethasone, dexamethasone) are used.
Antibiotics wide range actions are used in the presence of purulent inflammatory processes.

External therapy is carried out simultaneously with systemic therapy. Lotions with antiseptics(potassium permanganate) are used for severe exudation and increased risk secondary infection. After normalization of the process, they switch to aerosols and creams with an antiseptic and drying effect. Cracks and extensive erosions are lubricated with solutions of brilliant green, regenerating preparations (dexapanthenol).

External agents (ointments, lotions, creams, aerosols) with a hormonal component (betamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone and others) have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

In combination with drug therapy Physical methods of treating occupational eczema are actively used: laser and ultraviolet irradiation. For severe eczema, PUVA therapy is effective.

Treatment with folk remedies

You can treat eczema at home only after consulting your doctor and getting his approval. The most convenient location for treatment at home is professional eczema on the hands. For treatment, baths, compresses, and solutions are used.

Baths with salt. This method is suitable if there is no weeping. To carry out the procedure, add 2 tablespoons to 1 liter of hot water. sea salt. Hands are lowered into hot water and remain in the bath until the water cools completely. The procedure should be carried out daily until signs of improvement.
Homemade emulsion for exudation phenomena. To prepare the emulsion, make a mixture of 50 ml of table vinegar, 1 chicken egg and 50 ml of water. The components are thoroughly mixed to form an emulsion. Ready product Apply to affected areas at night, daily until symptoms disappear.
Kalanchoe juice is applied to the affected areas 2-3 times a day. This plant promotes healing times and relieves swelling.

Forecast and consequences

It is impossible to completely get rid of the disease, but you can prolong the period of remission as much as possible. To do this, you must carefully follow the doctor's instructions and hygiene measures and avoid contact with triggers. In everyday life, you should use gloves to protect your hands from contact with chemicals.

Photo

Common form of occupational eczema

Occupational eczema, like other types of disease, in most cases is chronic and can often be accompanied by relapses under the influence of household irritants. At the very beginning of the disease, only those areas that most often come into contact with the allergen are affected. Subsequently, the rash may spread to other areas of the skin.

Under the influence of irritating substances and household chemicals, ordinary allergic dermatitis can very often degenerate into chronic eczema, which can be very difficult to cope with throughout your life. A comprehensive treatment regimen is aimed at minimizing the risk of relapse. At the right approach in treatment, the disease goes into a sluggish state.

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to correctly and timely establish the causes of the disease. Diagnosis of this type of eczema begins with a routine interview of the patient, identifying his contact with irritants and taking allergy tests. The effectiveness of therapy is achieved by adding to medicines various procedures, including physical therapy, laser and cold.

Symptoms and causes of the disease

Occupational eczema develops against the background of allergic sensitization of the human body. With constant exposure negative factors environment, a person experiences an allergic reaction that is associated only with exogenous effects on the skin. The following groups of the working population are most susceptible to this type of disease:

pharmaceutical industry workers;
medical personnel;
specialists working in the engineering industry;
workers in the petrochemical, synthetic and chemical industries

Not all employees in these global industries experience harmful effects. After much research, scientists have come to the conclusion that occupational eczema is most likely to affect those people who suffer from the following ailments:

Functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, ulcers and gastritis, as well as chronic pancreatitis.
Disruption of the human endocrine system, resulting in the development of various diabetes mellitus and obesity.
Dysfunctions autonomic system the body, mainly this includes a disease such as vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Allergic reactions and diseases of the patient, including bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Important! This type of eczema can only occur against the background of already developed allergic contact dermatitis. With this illness, a person has two distinct phases of the condition, the first of which is a period of exacerbation, and the second is due to a long remission. Most often, the second phase occurs only if the patient’s contact with harmful factors at work is completely excluded.

Exacerbation of contact dermatitis and the beginning of the formation of eczema can be manifested by the following symptoms in the patient:

in the initial period, the skin turns red and swells;
itching, burning and irritation appear in some areas of the skin;
on late stages during the course of the disease, papules or vesicles may appear, which in the process of formation are accompanied by severe itching and pain;
after the final formation of papules and vesicles, colorless liquid begins to accumulate in them, which signals the possibility of infectious inflammation

Comprehensive treatment regimen for occupational eczema

The correct treatment regimen can only be experienced specialist a dermatologist who, first of all, will conduct a full course diagnostic studies person. At the first stage, the most important thing is to understand why occupational eczema occurs and continues to develop in humans.

The most popular treatment method is therapeutic method, which includes the use of various groups of drugs. These can be external use products, for example, hormonal and non-hormonal ointments, creams and gels sold in pharmacies. Against development more For inflammatory areas and areas of itching, lotions based on ointments and creams are used.

Until the weeping areas and swelling completely disappear, lotions based on the following medications are used: zinc or copper sulfate, lead-based water, silver nitrate, Burov's liquid, tannin solution and other metal-based medications. The course of lotions is prescribed individually, based on the severity and characteristics of the disease.

During the non-acute course of the disease and during initial stages Its occurrence can be treated with medications that do not have an aggressive effect on the skin and have a healing effect. Among the most popular and effective drugs included salicylic acid, sulfur and tar, zinc-based oils and ichthyol. Often, at home, you can prepare an individual ointment using several components at once.

An important area of therapy is the relief of itching, which not only prevents a person from working professionally, but also from living fully in society. When scratching bubbles with liquid, the risk of infection increases significantly. Solutions containing components such as phenol and menthol, as well as citric acid and diphenhydramine ointment.

In order to prevent relapses, it is important to strictly follow all preventive measures. The cause of this type of disease is external factors Therefore, you should immediately limit contact with them. If work involves constant contact with an allergen, then it is necessary to use protective creams, gloves and other protective equipment.

An important preventive measure is correct observance dietary nutrition. It is best to follow a certain diet when it comes to allergic factors that contribute to the appearance of eczema. The patient should definitely avoid consuming foods such as alcohol, sweets, fatty foods, individual allergens and tobacco.

Important! If a person for a long time If your professional eczema continues to worsen and complications appear, then it is best to think about changing your workplace. In advanced cases, more complex diseases often occur, for example, erythroderma and pyoderma, which require hospitalization of the patient.