Disease of the Month: Occupational skin disorder (OSD)

Occupational skin disease is a disorder wholly or partially caused by a person's work activity. It can vary in severity from serious cases of dermatitis, to minor skin irritation.  On the extent of the problem, skin diseases accounted for around 1% of total days' sickness absence certified due to all occupational illnesses, as reported in 2012-14 THOR GP Scheme survey.  The skin plays a very important role as a barrier to chemicals and other contaminants entering the body. However, certain skin disorders may disrupt this barrier function. This is because the skin is not an absolute...