1.
SKIN DISEASES
These are among the most
widespread industrial health problems. Almost anything-chemicals, dirt, and
oil, as well as germs-can irritate the skin. Chief troublemakers are petroleum
products, such as machine oil, naphtha, and cutting oil compounds; solvents
which include degreasers such as kerosene, gasoline, and trichlorethylene;
alkalis, such as lime, caustic soda, and strong yellow soap; and plants,
including poison ivy, sumac, and poison oak. Florists are particularly subject
to skin irritation from plants.
Furriers may be affected by
parahenylenediamine. Workers who use chromium in electroplating may develop
chrome ulcers. While the list of possible skin afflictions that may develop in
connection with work is an almost endless one, there are several important
precautions you can use to avoid trouble. Immediately, after finishing any
dirty or oily job, and also before eating lunch and leaving for the day, apply
soap and water generously.
Special soaps may be required to re- move
some substances that cling stubbornly or penetrate into the skin. Don't try to
rub away oils that get on hands and face; this may only force them into the
skin, clogging the pores, causing irritation and pimples. Wash off oil with
soap and water, using repeated applications if necessary; then dry with a clean
towel. Special ointments are available to cover the skin before contact with
offending substances, providing protection and greatly simplifying the removal
of some otherwise difficult-to-remove materials.
Gloves, sleeves, and aprons can afford
protection. Pull sleeves over the cuffs of gloves to make certain no skin is
exposed. Keep protective clothing clean; change it often. Do not use advertised
ointments for any skin problems compounded by self-treatment. The
self-treatment-actually overtreatment by a worried victim-may produces skin
problems of its own. Over- treatment dermatitis is a common problem that
confronts dermatologists -skin specialists to whose care serious victims often
must be referred. If you have used the precautions mentioned above and still
suffer because of certain oils or chemicals, you may have developed an allergy
to them.
See your physician, who may be able to help
with special de- sensitization treatment designed to increase your tolerance
for specific materials. If this does not help, it may be essential that you
move to another job. But let your doctor decide this.
