Mechanical causes of occupational skin disease

Abstract

Mechanical insults to the skin can result in the formation of various dermatoses. Alterations occur mainly on the hands, feet, knees, elbows, lips, and neck. The time allowed for adaptation determines the reaction of the skin. The effects of trauma are modified by humidity, sweating, age, gender, nutritional status, infection, preexisting skin disease, genetic and racial factors. Mechanical trauma may contribute to development of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. The presence of certain underlying diseases may result in the replication and aggravation of that disease in the area of injury (isomorphic Koebner phenomenon). Minor lesions incurred on the job may often be disregarded as unimportant and unworthy of attention, but may consecutively cause considerable distress.