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Dermatitis

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Definition

Dermatosis (plural: dermatoses) is a broad term that refers to any disease of the skin, especially one that is not accompanied by inflammation.

Do not confuse this term with dermatitis, which is limited to inflammation of the skin.

Additional Info

There are over two dozen specific types of reactive and inflammatory dermatoses; see this list at healthline.com for more information about specific types.

Dermatosis can have many causes, including allergic reactions to common metals such as nickel (found in jewelry) or cobalt, fragrances, and topical antibiotics. Formaldehyde can also cause dermatitis/dermatosis, and it is a sensitizer as well, meaning that it can make your body or skin sensitive or allergic to substances that previously presented no problems.

The mechanism by which a particular chemical causes dermatosis/dermatitis can vary. For example, some substances cause a "simple" allergic reaction, whereas prolonged exposure to hydrocarbon solvents can leach the natural oils from your skin and lead to irritation, dryness, cracking and/or redness.

Books Available

• "Contact & Occupational Dermatology, 4th Ed", Hardcover, 400 pages, 2016. Estimated price $85.84. Info and/or order .
• "Occupational and Environmental Skin Disorders: Epidemiology, Current Knowledge and Perspectives for Novel Therapies 1st ed", Hardcover, 168 pages, 2018. Estimated price $100.73. Info and/or order.
• "Neutrophilic Dermatoses 1st ed", Hardcover, 334 pages, 2018. Estimated price $199.99. Info and/or order.
• "Life-Threatening Dermatoses and Emergencies in Dermatology", Hardcover, 329 pages, 2009. Estimated price $146.37. Info and/or order.
• "Fisher's Contact Dermatitis 7th Ed", Hardcover, 697 pages, 2019. Estimated price $199.00. Info and/or order.
• "Protective Gloves for Occupational Use 2nd Ed", Paperback, 368 pages, 2019. Estimated price $74.95. Info and/or order.
• "Quick Selection Guide to Chemical Protective Clothing 7th Ed", Spiralbound, 304 pages, 2020. Estimated price $67.85 Info and/or order.

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SDS Relevance

Dermatosis typically appears as a symptom of exposure or potential hazard in Section 11 (toxicological information) of a material's Safety Data Sheet

Failure to use proper skin protection (gloves, aprons etc.) can result in irritation or even poisoning by absorption of the material through the skin. Always use properly selected gloves and appropriate protective clothing when working with hazardous materials. Section 8 (exposure controls/personal protection) of the SDS should provide proper guidance.

Further Reading

• Preventing contact dermatitis and urticaria at work at the U.K.'s HSE (PDF download).
• Dermatitis, a multipage article at the Mayo Clinic.
• Counseling Patients About Common Skin Disorders: A Guide for the Community Pharmacist at Pharmacy Times.
• Occupational Skin Disease from American Family Physician, 2002, Sep 15:66(6): 1025-1033.
• Dermal Exposure - Control and Prevention at US OSHA.

See also: dermal, dermal toxicity, dermatitis, erythema, urticaria.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

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