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Article: Nurses and occupational contact dermatitis.(clinical update)
- Article from:
- Australian Nursing Journal
- Article date:
- June 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Australian Nursing Federation. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Introduction
Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) accounts for approximately 90% of all occupational skin disease, with health care workers one of the most commonly affected occupational groups. (1,2,3)
Because of the complex workplace environment, there is the potential for health care workers to be exposed to many irritants and allergens. (4) Nurses may develop a work-related skin condition, particularly irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is caused by substances touching the skin. These substances may be found at home or at work. OCD is diagnosed when the contact dermatitis is caused by workplace exposures, or where a ...