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#1 Posted : 16 January 2006 11:21:00(UTC)
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Posted By Carrie Ellerby
Hi All,

Just wondered if anyone knew anything about stress related dermatitis or could direct me to some good info?

We have a Maintenance guy who, yes, deals with chemicals and oils and has suffered with recurring dermatits on his hands. He has seen the doctor and we have followed him through every job, bought new gloves (which he wears) but the condition keeps coming back and even when he hasn't been anywhere near the chemicals, etc. The condition disappears when he has holiday from work but returns with a vengeance about a week after returning to work which makes me think it is stress related but not even sure if there is such a thing?!

Any advice or direction would be appreciated.

Carrie
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#2 Posted : 16 January 2006 12:04:00(UTC)
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Posted By bigwhistle
I believe stress would merely enhance the problem but it could be a lifestyle issue rather than a work related one ie nutrition/exercise.
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#3 Posted : 16 January 2006 12:52:00(UTC)
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Posted By Adrian Watson
Dear Carrie,

Get the person refered to a consultant dermatologist or an occupational health physician as he appears to have a work related dermatological condition.

Regards Adrian Watson
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#4 Posted : 16 January 2006 12:58:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter
Have you looked at the possibility that the gloves might be the problem?
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#5 Posted : 16 January 2006 12:59:00(UTC)
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Posted By Phil.D.Baptiste
Carrie,

I too have this condition after 14 years in the motor trade...oils, solvents, fuels, acids etc...I too used gloves and a 'wet work' barrie cream...I too develop excema flare ups for no apparrant reason, or so I thought.

I developed a sensitivity to the gloves, first latex, then nitrile. Then to the barrier cream. then to my own sweat, (due to glove wearing and yes, stress).

Creams and moisturisers helped but not for long. However, one tip from the execma society really helps, apart from avoid the contact:

Keep all nails, including toe nails even if no excema is present there, short...it doesnt stop the flareups but it reduces the number, lessens the duration and the itch...and nobody knows why!

Philby'
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#6 Posted : 16 January 2006 13:04:00(UTC)
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Posted By Nigel Addison
Carrie

Dermatitis can be caused by a number of health conditions such as, allergies, physical and mental stress, genetic factors, and irritants (as in contact dermatitis).

Adults with atopic dermatitis develop worsening of symptoms at times of stress, possibly due to a disorder of their immune system.

Best course of action in this case would be for your man to be referred to a dermatologist to determine if te casue of his symptoms can be determined



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#7 Posted : 16 January 2006 14:20:00(UTC)
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Posted By Carrie Ellerby
Thanks for your input everyone.

A little search on the net and I think I have narrowed it down to "dyshidrotic dermatitis", it describes the rash perfectly as well as the typical locations on the body (including soles of feet). Cause is apparently unknown but I believe it was probably started by chemicals, etc. which he has been in contact with and has developed into this form from there.

I don't think the gloves are the problem because it flares up when he hasn't even had them on.

I have already told him that he should go back to his doctor (already been prescribed steroidal cream which didn't help much) and ask her to refer him to a dermatologist.

Thanks once again,

Carrie
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#8 Posted : 16 January 2006 14:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By kate p
The answer is yes to your question dermatitis can be triggered through stress.
Do you have a stress policy?
And have you carried out any stress risk assessments throughout your organisation? as well as with the gent in question.
To identify if this gent is suffering from work related or home stressors.
I agree with the other authors on the discussion, that you need to identify if this person is fit to work, or does he need to be found alternative work? Perhaps this is the way forward to ascertain if it is his job or the organisation that flares up the dermatitis.

If you need any further advise on stress management issues get intouch as i have a stress management diploma.

Hope that this helps you alittle

Regards

Kate.pearson@juliangraves.co.uk
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#9 Posted : 16 January 2006 16:33:00(UTC)
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Posted By Stephen
It might be worth checking the soap you have in the wash rooms. I have seen cases where this alone can cause dermatits. It would also tie in with a return to work and a flare up of the problem.
Deb do a good range of barrier creams, soaps and importantly conditioning creams which help aleviate the symptoms. This solved a number of our skin problems.
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