Prevention and Rehabilitation

Abstract

In both the occupational and non occupational fields, prevention is subdivided in primary (both collective and individual, aimed at elimining the risk of contact dermatitis in a population of healthy individuals), secondary (to avoid relapses in subjects affected by contact dermatitis), and tertiary (aimed to block the progression of the disease, and to circumvent subject’s inhability to work). The various primary and secondary collective and individual prevention measures are discussed: among them, closed systems and automation in occupational field, allergen removal or replacement, predictive tests, dermatologic visit, worker protection (gloves, clothing), barrier creams, and skin care are crucial aspects of the prevention. In the case of occupational contact dermatitis, all efforts must be made to allow the worker to continue with the usual job. However, there are various conditions that may justify a change of work. Therefore, multidisciplinary care, medical and social (social institutions, trade unions, work inspectors, employers, dermatologists, occupational medicine specialists, rehabilitation specialists) is essential. This contribution to the treatment is, of course, regulated by the national norms in each country.