- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Research tools
Skin exposure tools have been developed previously, but primarily in the occupational hygiene field. Some of these tools include RISKOFDERM, EASE and DREAM. However, there have been tools specifically for the use in the occupational dermatology field. The Skin Exposure Assessment Tool (SEAT) which our centre has developed has 11 sections and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It collects information on:- Occupational history
- Work tasks and work tasks that involve water exposure
- Working conditions
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) gloves, masks, footwear, clothing
- Hand hygiene
- Home exposures
- Career history
ODDI (Occupational contact dermatitis disease severity index)
ODDI is a rating scale for the assessment of the severity of OCD. Measuring the occupational, psychological and social effects of OCD, together with a formalised and replicable measurement of its severity and associated functional limitation will provide a more accurate assessment of the impact of this condition. See ODDI chart.
Interesting Cases CD
The Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre, Skin and Cancer Foundation, Victoria, have recently released a new CD ROM. The CD is titled 'nteresting Cases from the Occupational Dermatology Clinic,' and is designed to be an educational tool for practitioners; dermatologists, occupational physicians and occupational hygienists and others who may treat patients or workers with occupational skin disease.
Occupational skin disease is an important cause of work-related disease. By far the most cause of occupational skin disease is occupational contact dermatitis, with irritant contact dermatitis significantly more common than allergic contact dermatitis. There is often a delay in making the exact diagnosis, which may adversely affect the prognosis. Sometimes, the occupational nature of disease is not suspected by the treating practitioner, leading to a delay in referral for assessment. There is evidence that shows the earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the prognosis.
This CD contains 60 de-identified clinical cases. For each case there is a summary of clinical information including history, examination of findings, patch test results and blood test results, final diagnosis, advice given to patient and photographs. Key teaching points are also presented for each case, along with relevant references.
This CD was produced with support from the Australasian College of Dermatologists and the Skin and Cancer Foundation, Victoria.
For more information or to order a copy ph. 03 9623 9402 or email admin@occderm.asn.au Cost is $50 plus postage and handling.
Information sheets