[The fate of patients with occupational skin diseases]

The experts judgment on an occupational dermatosis is of existential character for those concerned. The results of such decisions were examined in 100 patients 4-5 years later trough interviews and documents of the professional associations. The reactions were as follows: change of occupations (n = 42, including 18 retrainees), change of job within company/business (n = 34), quitting job/occupation (n = 11), remaining on the job (n = 12). At the time of questioning were half of the retrainees unemployed; loss of income was present in other groups, the loss was lowest in those changing occupations without retraining and highest in those prematurely pensioned. The condition of the skin was best in retrainees, of which 2/3 were unemployed, and worst in those prematurely pensioned. The examination concludes, that at the time of initiation of the occupational dermatosis process by the doctor, the keeping of the workplace must be more critically considered. Some practical guidelines are given.