Occupational Acne is a localized form of acne caused by exposure of the sun to chemicals and other irritant substances found in the workplace. The incidence of occupational acne has fallen in recent years due the strengthening of Health and Safety legislation and improved industrial working practices.

Cases of occupational acne are in many instances self-diagnosed by the person. Although the spots caused by occupational acne are of the characteristic acne type, it is usually possible to match the pattern of acne spots to the pattern of chemical exposure. The distribution of the spots on the body tends to be localized and quite unlike that found in the other clinical types of acne. The spots of occupational acne develop only on areas of skin which have come into direct contact with acne-causing chemicals or irritant substances, which are usually found mostly in the workplace or may also be used in some hobby activities. The development in someone of working age of acne-type spots with an unusual pattern of distribution on the body makes occupational acne a likely diagnosis. This diagnosis can be confirmed if the patient’s medical history reveals that his/her work or hobbies involve exposure to chemicals capable of causing acne.

Grease and petroleum-based cutting oils cause oil acne. Blisters and small spots in areas where oil exposure is heavy, such as the arms and hands, mark oil acne. But other areas such as the abdomen and thighs may be affected especially if they are covered with oil-soaked clothes. The obstructed pores of the skin develop plugs formed by the oil and keratin which the presence of air turns black.

People with oil acne should see a physician. Without treatment, the condition may persist for months after the exposure to oil stops. Skin lesions caused by repeated exposure to petroleum products, if not treated properly, may develop over a long period into skin cancer.

Occupational acne can be avoided by measures such as personal protection and hygiene, and technical controls. Personal hygiene, including hand washing, is very important to prevent occupational acne. Workplaces can provide change rooms, showers and bath facilities, and workers should wear clean coveralls daily. In addition, it's also very important to make sure you wash your face daily with high quality acne products that are formulated to soothe your skin, not further damage it. If you want to prevent acne breakouts and maintain healthy skin, it's best to use an acne cleanser each day to get rid of dirt and ensure clean skin.

HIGH RISK JOBS:

Examples of High Risk Jobs Associated with Occupational Acne:

• Oil-induced acne in workers in the automobile industry.
• Acne and folliculitis due to diesel oil
• In fast food restaurants, acne may be seen in cooks who work in a kitchen with fry vats
• Oil acne from mineral oil among workers making prefabricated concrete panels
• Chloracne associated with employment in the production of pentachlorophenol
• Chloracne from pentachlorophenol-preserved wood
• Remove or replace PCB contaminated fluid in transformers
• Work with toxic chemicals that could be spilled or released
• Apply coal tar pitch to cables, pipes, or roofs