Ep #32 Dermatology Detectives: Allergies To The Things That Touch You (Part 2)

In part two of the Dermatology Detectives series, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton explore a hidden workplace hazard—occupational contact dermatitis, where your job can quite literally affect your skin.Drawing from real clinical cases, this episode uncovers how everyday work exposures—from farming and healthcare to beauty and manufacturing—can trigger both irritant and allergic skin reactions.Listeners will learn:Why is occupational contact dermatitis one of the most common workplace illnessesThe difference between irritant (80%) and allergic (20%) dermatitisHow dermatologists determine if a rash is work-related using the Mathias criteriaCommon workplace triggers like metals (nickel, cobalt), fragrances, preservatives, rubber accelerators, and acrylatesWhy even protective gear like gloves can cause allergic reactionsHow airborne exposures (like fragrance or plant allergens) can affect the face and eyelidsThe importance of patch testing—and sometimes testing with real workplace materialsThrough fascinating detective stories—from farmers allergic to peppermint and asparagus, to healthcare workers reacting to hand sanitizers, to a rare criminal case of intentional allergen exposure—this episode highlights just how complex workplace skin disease can be.The takeaway? If your skin is reacting at work, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and identifying the trigger can make all the difference—and sometimes even save your career.Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.