Dermatitis Claim

Dermatitis involves the inflammation, redness, irritation or itching of skin when it comes in direct contact with hazardous chemical or biological substances. Contact dermatitis may harm workers associated with industries such as construction, manufacturing, processing and agriculture. Being the victim of dermatitis can impact workers’ eligibility to perform efficiently. It is the responsibility of employers to provide safe working conditions for their employees. If employers fail to ensure workers’ safety from dermatitis then the employer would be liable in compensation claims.

If you have suffered from occupational dermatitis because of your employer’s negligence, then you are entitled to receive compensation. Make your contact dermatitis claim by hiring the expert services of Clearwater Solicitors. Dial 08000 430 430 or complete our online enquiry from and request a call back.

Types of Dermatitis

There are two types of dermatitis – irritant contact dermatitis and allergen contact dermatitis.

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD)

Contact dermatitis caused by irritant substances is called irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). It can occur following the direct, acute or chronic exposure of skin with irritant substances. In cases of ICD, the hands of victims are most likely to be affected. Different irritant substances that can lead to ICD include soaps, detergents, cement, acids, alkalis, dusts and solvents. Direct contact with strong irritant over a very short period of time can result in acute ICD, and long term exposure to weaker irritant results in chronic ICD. A part of body exposed to any irritant can easily be affected by other types of irritant. Some of the different symptoms of ICD are burning, redness and soreness of skin.

• Allergen Contact Dermatitis (ACD)

Allergy-causing substances are called allergens, and exposure to these substances may result in allergen contact dermatitis (ACD). This occurs when immune system fails against certain types of allergens. In case of ACD, skin sensitisation occurs when allergic substance penetrates into the skin. If this sensitive skin again comes in contact with allergic substances, the immune system fails to resist them, causing allergen contact dermatitis (ACD). Nickel, cobalt, additives, cosmetics, plants and preservatives are common allergens.  Symptoms of ACD are skin redness, rashes, itching and scaling.

Causes of Dermatitis

Different physical, chemical and biological factors may lead to contact dermatitis. Causes of dermatitis are:

• Direct acute or chronic exposure to toxic or non-toxic chemicals,
• Exposure to fine particles, sands and gravels,
• Prolonged contact with water,
• Contact with viruses, bacteria, algae and fungi,
• Direct exposure to intense lights and hazardous radiation,
• Dermatitis-causing chemicals include: fertilisers, pesticides, additives, preservatives, soaps, solvents, detergents, alcohols, acids and alkalis
• Different elements causing dermatitis are cobalt, nickel and chromium.

Symptoms of Dermatitis

Irritant and allergen contact dermatitis provoke different symptoms. Mild and serious symptoms of dermatitis include:

• Skin redness,
• Itching and scaling,
• Facial rashes,
• Liquid-filled blisters,
• Skin swelling,
• Skin thickening and drying,
• Skin cracking and peeling,
• Hives (raised red rashes),
• Skin burning,
• Localised hair loss,
• Other symptoms of dermatitis include breathing and swallowing difficulties and rapid heart rate.

Prevention of Dermatitis

It is possible to prevent dermatitis at workplaces. Employers are obliged to provide safe working environments that do not pose a risk of hazardous substance exposure. Under Health and Safety at Work Act Regulations, employers should:

• Prevent direct contact between employees’ skin and toxic or hazardous substances,
• Replace toxic substances or chemicals with less toxic alternate substances,
• Carry our risk assessments to eliminate causes of contact dermatitis,
• Carry out all chemical processes under cover,
• Provide suitable protective equipment to employees,
• Train the employees about safe chemical use and proper use of personal protective equipment.

Dermatitis Compensation Claim

If you have had suffered with contact dermatitis or any other skin problem because of your employer’s negligence at the workplace, then you are entitled to make a dermatitis compensation claim. Your employer will be liable to compensate you for all of your physical, psychological and economical losses.

We have extensive experience in dealing with occupational disease claims, so if you or your family member has faced serious contact dermatitis at workplace, then you can make your compensation claim by hiring our services. Make your contact dermatitis claim or take free legal advice about you any such occupational disease issues. Dial 08000 430 430 or complete our online enquiry form to request a call back.