Tobacco Skin Conditions
Introduction – epidemiology
Skin Conditions While farmworkers experience a range of skin conditions as a result of their work, in tobacco work, the most common dermatological hazards are contact dermatitis, skin irritations from fungus, and allergic reactions. Green tobacco sickness, discussed in the next section, is more common in those working with cigarette tobacco due to more plant contact exposure. For a more expansive discussion of agricultural skin conditions, see Skin Conditions.
Contact dermatitis: Most common skin problem affecting migrant farmworkers. Irritant contact dermatitis produces a non-allergic inflammatory reaction on the skin, usually within minutes. For more information, see:
Contact Dermatitis- Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Contact Dermatitis in Agriculture
Giant Hogweed
Skin irritations from Fungus
Further Farmworker skin condition diagnosis and treatment links:
- Ag Skin Disease- Learning Module for Providers
- Work-Related Skin Disorders, Risk Factors and Prevention