"The direct causes of occupational dermatoses: chemical, mechanical, physical, and biological in nature are presented. The implications of assigning the degree and type of occupational dermatoses are explained. Workmans compensation is based on a no-fault arrangement, stating that unrestricted treatment and compensation is allowable only when negligence on the part of the employer is proven. Employee benefits are then determined by the duration and degree of disability sustained - all of which becomes litigational. Predisposing host factors, i.e. intellectual ability, anatomic site, atopy, skin pigmentation, age of skin, and immunosuppression (by disease or medication) are usually ignored. Environmental factors at the workplace must be considered conducive to occupational diseases. The full spectrum of irritant contact dermatitis is discussed with examples of each described. Allergic contact dermatitis and patch testing - the gold standard for identification of putative allergens is extensively discussed. Differentiating irritant contact dermatitis from allergic contact dermatitis is elucidated. The other non-contact type skin reactions are briefly mentioned."

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