Trends in Occupational Skin Disease among Korean Workers (2006-2017): Insights Into Declining Prevalence and...

Occupational skin diseases (OSDs) are among the most common work-related illnesses and impose a significant socioeconomic burden. While improvements in workplace environments have been noted in the Republic of Korea over the past two decades, research investigating long-term trends in OSD prevalence remains limited.

This study analyzed the 2006-2017 Republic of Korea Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) data to examine temporal trends in self-reported 1-year prevalence of OSDs among Korean workers. OSD was identified based on self-reported skin symptoms and perceived work-relatedness. Sociodemographic, occupational characteristics, and hazardous factor exposure were assessed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Pearson's correlation.

The self-reported 1-year prevalence of OSD significantly declined from 5.03% in 2006 to 0.67% in 2017 (p < 0.001). Demographically, the proportion of older workers (≥60 years) among OSD cases increased. OSD remained concentrated in small-scale workplaces and personal protective equipment (PPE)-required occupations. Notably, 1-year OSD prevalence declined among those using PPE and workers informed on occupational safety and health. Industrial shifts were observed, with a growing proportion of cases in primary sectors such as agriculture and forestry, while prevalence declined in manufacturing and construction. Despite these trends, the proportion of OSD cases exposed to high and low temperatures and chemical skin contact increased over time.

Despite self-reported OSD's overall decline in the Republic of Korea, emerging challenges like increased exposure in vulnerable groups and shifts to higher-risk industries persist. Our findings underscore the need for targeted prevention, continuous monitoring, and robust research to address evolving occupational skin health.