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 illnesses The difference between irritant (80%) and allergic (20%) dermatitis How dermatologists determine if a rash is work-related using the Mathias criteria Common workplace triggers like metals (nickel, cobalt), fragrances, preservatives, rubber accelerators, and acrylates Why even protective gear like gloves can cause allergic reactions How airborne exposures (like fragrance or plant allergens) can affect the face and eyelids The importance of patch testing—and sometimes testing with real workplace materials Through 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.