Contact dermatitis, photoirritant

Disease/Syndrome
Contact dermatitis, photoirritant
Category
Skin Disease
Acute/Chronic
Subacute
Synonyms
PICD
Biomedical References
Comments
After permeation into the skin, a few chemicals act as irritants upon absorption of UV light. In the occupational setting, PICD is most likely to be seen among construction or railroad workers who have handled creosote or among food preparation workers who have handled lime, celery, parsnip, or figs. After skin contact with creosote, PICD may be observed immediately after exposure to light. Workers handling the dyes eosin, methylene blue or disperse blue 35 are also at risk for PICD. [Marks, p. 201-3] "Tar smarts" is a form of photoirritant dermatitis caused by coal tar pitch derived from coal, not by asphalt derived from petroleum. Workers complain of burning of the skin starting about one hour after exposure to pitch and sunlight. Erythema and blistering may ensue. Preventive measures include wearing long-sleeve shirts, gloves, and sunscreens. [Kanerva, p. 1685] The most common causes of photoirritation reactions are tar, creosote, and psoralens (furocoumarins) in certain plants. [LaDou, p. 328]
Latency/Incubation
About one hour after exposure to pitch and sunlight;
Diagnostic
Clinical
ICD-9 Code
692.70
ICD-10 Code
L25.9

Symptoms/Findings, Job Tasks, and Agents Linked to This Disease

Symptoms/Findings

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Agents

Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease:

Agents

Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease: