Dermatologic Diseases in Silk Workers.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Dermatology
• Textile Industry Health

Background:

• Silk factory workers are exposed to various physical and chemical agents.
• Previous surveys indicated high prevalence of skin conditions in these workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey dermatologic diseases among silk factory workers near Bangalore.
• To identify specific skin conditions linked to different job roles within the factory.

Main Methods:

• A dermatologic survey was conducted on 112 silk factory workers.
• Patch testing was performed on a subset of workers exposed to silk thread.

Main Results:

• Nail plate changes observed in cocoonsorters.
• Palm maceration and pitted keratolysis were prevalent in boiling and reeling sections.
• High incidence of ichthyosis and hyperkeratosis of palms and soles noted.

Conclusions:

• Specific dermatologic conditions are associated with different tasks in silk production.
• Pre-existing skin conditions like ichthyosis are common comorbidities.