scholarly journals Prevalence of Occupational Skin Diseases and its Predisposing Factors in Leather Tanning Workers of Southern India

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-501
Author(s):  
Panjakumar Karunamoorthy ◽  
Rajesh Embiranahalli Mani ◽  
Beerappa Ravichandran ◽  
Dhananjayan Venugopal ◽  
Mala Ambikapathy ◽  
...  

Skin diseases are a major occupational health issue in tannery workers because of work related exposure to various toxic chemicals used in tanning process. In the present study, prevalence of various skin diseases and predisposing factors in tannery workers were investigated.A cross sectional study including 114 tannery workers (male-89; female-25) employed at different tanneries of Southern India was carried out. Face to face interview with pre-designed questionnaire and health examination was conducted. Skin samples obtained from the participants were subjected to microscopic examination and microbial culture for diagnosis of skin diseases. The prevalence of occupational skin disorders were 39% among the study participants. Contact dermatitis (16%), skin infections (16%), eczematous lesions (7%) and nail discoloration (1.75%) wereidentified. Skin infections of fungal origin were identified among 11.4% of subjects. The skin infections of fungi; tenia corporis, tenia cruris, tenia unguium, tenia versicolor, tenia pedis and Pityriosis versicolor were identified. Bacterial skin infections identified were associated with contact dermatitis. Lack of PPE usage was reported among 30% of workers. Hazardous working environment, chemical exposure, humidity and lack of PPEusage were significantly associated with increased skin disease incidence(p<0.05), indicating the major predisposing factorsfor Occupation skin diseases.The findings of the study emphasize that,workers in the pre-tanning section and tanning sections are more vulnerable to occupational skin diseases.Compliance to use of PPEs, engineering controls to reduce exposure, education, frequent health surveillance and early identification & treatment could mitigate the occupational skindiseasesamongtannery workers.

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saveria Pastore ◽  
Liudmila Korkina

The skin is permanently exposed to physical, chemical, and biological aggression by the environment. In addition, acute and chronic inflammatory events taking place in the skin are accompanied by abnormal release of pro-oxidative mediators. In this paper, we will briefly overview the homeostatic systems active in the skin to maintain the redox balance and also to counteract abnormal oxidative stress. We will concentrate on the evidence that a local and/or systemic redox dysregulation accompanies the chronic inflammatory disorder events associated to psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. We will also discuss the fact that several well-established treatments for the therapy of chronic inflammatory skin disorders are based on the application of strong physical or chemical oxidants onto the skin, indicating that, in selected conditions, a further increase of the oxidative imbalance may lead to a beneficial outcome.


Author(s):  
O.A. Karpova ◽  
◽  
V.A. Semenikhin ◽  
B.A. Balandovich ◽  
◽  
...  

Abstract: Introduction. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to look for new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases in the working population. Study objective. To study the hygienic influence of harmful and dangerous factors of the working environment and the severity of the labor process on the structure of the general dermatological morbidity in railway transport workers who ensure the safety of train traffic in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. The complex of harmful production factors affecting railway transport workers was studied according to the sanitary and hygienic characteristics of the working conditions of employees of the Altai region of the West Siberian Railway of JSC "Russian Railways". The structure of the general dermatological morbidity was studied according to the statistical coupons of outpatient patients who applied to a dermatovenerologist in the CHUZ " CB "Russian Railways-Medicine" Barnaul for the period 2019-2020. Results. The conducted complex of hygienic, epidemiological and statistical studies showed that the combined impact of chemical, meteorological, physical, biological harmful production factors and the severity of the labor process (class 3.1-3.5) in railway transport workers who ensure the safety of train traffic leads to the development of such production-related skin diseases as contact dermatitis and psoriasis. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, skin infections (62.8%) predominate over non-infectious dermatoses in the structure of the total dermatological morbidity. The share of primary morbidity increased to 90.8%. The first rank is occupied by pyoderma (47.5%), the second – allergodermatoses (20.0%), the third – mycoses (11.6%). Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic leads to changes in the epidemiological and clinical features of dermatoses in the working population, which must be taken into account in their prevention, diagnosis and treatment.


Author(s):  
D Linn Holness ◽  
Irena Kudla ◽  
Joel G DeKoven ◽  
Sandra Skotnicki

Abstract Background Occupational skin diseases are common suggesting that there are still gaps in workplace prevention. Patch test surveillance systems provide an opportunity to collect work related information in addition to clinical information and patch test results. Objectives To examine 5 years of data related to workplace prevention by industry sector in a patch test surveillance database for workers with a diagnosis of occupational contact dermatitis. Methods The study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of St Michael’s Hospital. Information including demographics, clinical history, healthcare utilization, and workplace characteristics and prevention practices in addition to patch test results was collected from consenting patients. Results Workers in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors were more likely to report workplace training including skin protection training, whereas those in services and construction were less likely to report training. Conclusions Collecting basic workplace information with patch test surveillance databases can inform the occupational health and safety system about prevention practices in the workplace and identify areas for focussed intervention.


2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-31
Author(s):  
Golam Rabbani ◽  
Baki Billah ◽  
Anil Giri ◽  
Sarder M. Hossain ◽  
Ahmmad I. Ibne Mahmud ◽  
...  

Background: Few studies have reported associations between occupational exposure to tannery chemicals with breathing difficulty and skin diseases and none have been conducted in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of health complaints with types of work and length of employment among tannery workers in Bangladesh, where occupational health and safety regulations are less restricted compared with the developed world. Methods: One hundred sixty-seven ( n = 167) workers from 10 tanneries were interviewed using a questionnaire adapted from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) and the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS) to collect information on occupational exposures and health outcomes. Workers’ length of employment was examined, as well as their areas of work including beamhouse, wet finishing, dry finishing, and miscellaneous. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to investigate potential associations while controlling for confounders. Results: Length of employment was positively associated with breathing difficulty (odds ratio [OR]: 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.07–1.64). Workers involved in the wet finishing (OR: 11.75, 95% CI: 2.12–65.10) and dry finishing (OR: 13.38, 95% CI: 1.00–181.70) had higher odds of breathing difficulty; while, working in the beamhouse was associated with an increased risk of developing skin diseases (OR: 4.36, 95% CI: 1.10–17.32). Conclusion/Application to Practice: Length of employment and types of work were associated with increased risk of health complaints, including breathing difficulty and skin disease among tannery workers. Stronger regulations with regular enforcement, regular health surveillance, and worker and employer education are necessary for reducing these exposures and improving the health outcomes of the tannery workers.


Author(s):  
Moulika Markonda ◽  
Sowmya S.B

In Ayurveda, all skin diseases have been described under the umbrella of Kushtha. Ekakusta is considered as the most commonest skin disease that can affect an individual. Acharya Charak has described the involvement of Vata-Kapha in Eka Kushtha. In the present study Eka kushtha is compared with psoriasis due to resemblance of signs symptoms and causative factors with it. Psoriasis is a papulosquamous disorder of the skin, characterized by sharply defined erythematosquamous lesions this illness exhibits a prompt response if treated carefully, left it may run a very chronic course extending into larger area of the body. Ayurveda focuses more on curative management than palliative management. The drug used in the treatment of Ayurveda does not have complications like modern treatment. Repeated Sodhana prevent the recurrence of the disease. Similarly various preparations have been advocated for the management of Psoriasis. The drugs used in this study are Guduchyadi Kashaya & Rajrukshadi Pachana Kashaya. Both the Kashayas are said to be effective in skin diseases. As per Yogaratnakara, Guduchyadhi Kwath has been mentioned as one of the drug having curative effect on all types of Kustha. Hence for present study the orally Guduchyadi Kwath is taken for EkaKustha treatment. The drugs in Guduchyadi Kwatha are Kusthaghana, Twachya, Swedal, Tridosh shamaka, as well as with Rasayan properties, which is beneficial to break down the pathogenesis of disease. As per Gadanigraha, as mentioned in Kayachikitsakhanda, Rajvrukshadipachana Kashaya is mentioned for the treatment of Ekakushtha. Ingredients in Rajvrukshadi Pachana Kashaya reduce Kapha dosha and most of them act on the skin. Kwatha dravyas are Rasadushtihara, Kaphapittahara, Deepana, Twachya, and also having antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties, Hence, it is helpful for clearing the skin infections.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Alex M. Glazer MD ◽  
Aaron S. Farberg ◽  
Stephen Donohue ◽  
Darrell S. Rigel

Objective: To determine distribution of dermatologic disease among major league baseball (MLB) players and compare the distribution to that seen in the general population.Design: Cross Sectional SurveySetting: Data was collected via anonymous, online, randomized survey in January 2017.Participants: Head athletic trainers for 25 MLB teamsMain Outcome Measures: The distribution of dermatologic disease encountered by MLB athletic trainers for players versus non-player personnel.Results: The 3 most commonly encountered dermatologic conditions for MLB trainers among baseball players were blisters, contact dermatitis, and nail problems including onychomycosis. In contrast, the 3 most common dermatoses seen among the non-player personnel control group were rash, tinea, and concerning skin lesion which more closely resembled the distribution of skin diseases among the general population.Conclusions: MLB players experienced a different mix with a greater proportion of mechanical, infectious, and contact related skin conditions likely due to the baseball-related activities that impact on these athletes’ skin on a day-to-day basis. The prevalence of the dermatologic disorders noted in the study reinforces the importance of focused dermatologic education for trainers to enhance player care. Keywords: baseball; MLB; dermatology; disease distribution; blisters; contact dermatitis; mechanical skin injury; elite athletes


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-48
Author(s):  
Adinda Rabiattun Adawiah ◽  
Agus Fitriangga ◽  
Ambar Rialita

The prevalence of occupational skin diseases reaches 20% up to 70% around the world. Occupational contact dermatitis cases reached 1.3-8.1 per 10,000 full-time workers per year in two decades. This research aims to identify the relationship between predisposing factors, enabling factors, and reinforcing factors on the contact dermatitis cases on palm oil plantation workers of PT. X in Semitau Subdistrict. This study design was a cross-sectional involving 72 samples. The independent variables covered age, gender, level of knowledge, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tenure, chemical contact, personal hygiene, history of occupational dermatitis, occupational history, and Occupational Safety and Health Management System (SMK3). Then, the dependent variable was occupational dermatitis cases. A total of 54.2% of respondent suffered from occupational dermatitis. Some respondent were elderly (43.1%) and most of the subject were female (62.5%). The respondents had a good level of knowledge (37.5%), good personal hygiene (52.8%), and use complete PPE (25%). A total of 51.4% of respondent did not have chemical contacts and those who have <2 years of tenure reached 45.8%. Most of the subjects did not have an occupational history (81.9%) and occupational dermatitis history (75%). Half of the subjects had a good level of application of SMK3. Chi-Square Test results showed significant values of personal hygiene, use of PPE, and a history of the disease (<0.05) with p values of <0.05. There is a strong relationship between personal hygiene, the use of PPE, and the history of occupational dermatitis on palm oil plantation workers of PT. X in Semitau Subdistrict.


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