Life and work at sea may bring seafarers into contact with substances that can cause skin irritation. One of the most common skin conditions encountered in the maritime environment is contact dermatitis, which requires proper prevention and timely treatment to avoid complications.
What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with irritant or allergenic substances. It is divided into two main forms:
Symptoms
Dermatitis usually appears on the hands but can also affect other parts of the body. The main symptoms include: red rashes, itching, dry skin, bumps and blisters, swelling, and burning.
Symptoms appear within minutes to hours of contact with the irritant substance. In the case of allergic contact dermatitis, it may take several days for rashes to appear.
Prevention
The best strategy is prevention, especially when complete avoidance of contact with harmful substances is not feasible during work on the ship. Basic protective measures include:
Source: UK P&I Club
