Patients with occupational contact dermatitis in Israel: quality of life and social implications

One of the most common occupational diseases is skin disease caused as a result of contact with work-related materials or exacerbated by them. Although occupational-related skin disease is a common condition, it is not considered to be a serious one and, therefore, has not received satisfactory attention in the psycho-social literature or in the social work profession. In our study, 70 occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) patients were interviewed by telephone regarding psychological, social, economic, and subjective issues related to the disease. All patients reported to be affected in their daily living activities, self-image, economic status, and in their interpersonal relationships in the family. Our study seeks to highlight the problems of this population group and serve as a vehicle to facilitate patient's rights.