What is Dermatitis? (Also known as Contact Dermatitis, UV Dermatitis or Allergic Dermatitis)
Contact dermatitis is acute inflammation of the skin caused by irritants or allergens. The primary symptoms of Dermatitis are itching; reddening of the skin and in more severe cases blistering and ulceration, often on or near the exposed skin surface.
Many substances can cause contact dermatitis including: acids, alkalis, solvents, metal salts, abrasives, detergents, plants & bodily fluids.
UV Dermatitis is where the substance causing the reaction requires UV light before a reaction occurs. E.g. some plant material, perfumes, coal tar etc.
Allergic Dermatitis is where there is an allergic response to a specific antigen or chemical.
Chemicals that cause this kind of Dermatitis include: Insecticides, Pollen, Some agents used in leather / rubber processing; tanning agents in shoes; rubber accelerators and antioxidants in gloves, shoes, etc; formaldehyde in durable-press finishes, and compounds such as acrylic monomers, epoxy compounds, vat dyes, rubber accelerators and formaldehyde.
Further information on Work related Skin Diseases from the Health & Safety Executive.
What should I do if I am suffering from an Industrial Disease such as Dermatitis?
The first step if you are suffering from an Industrial related Dermatitis would be to call us so we can assess your claim for compensation and advise you on whether you will be eligible to claim.
The second step is to go see your GP who will need to take an in-depth history and establish a relationship between your symptoms and possible exposure to a causative agent. Diagnosis is by examination, and sometimes skin patch testing may need to be performed.
Further to this any medical(s) instigated by our solicitors will cost you nothing, they will be paid for by the solicitor and claimed back as a disbursement from the other side.
