Outpatient prevention of occupational skin diseases in skin protection centers

Early intervention is required for the prevention of occupational skin diseases defined by German Law (Occupational Disease 5101) as "severe or repeatedly recurring skin diseases which necessitate cessation of all activities which were, or could be, responsible for the occurrence, worsening or recurrence of the disease". Studies from our department have shown that the chances of successful prevention by appropriate measures according to the German Ordinance on Occupational Diseases (technical and organizational measures, personal protection equipment and training, medical treatment, behavioural changes) are high if these are performed in close cooperation between the occupational health insurance companies and experienced occupational dermatologists. Skin protection centers support occupational health insurance companies by bringing occupational dermatological skills together. They offer optimization of diagnostics and therapy tailored to individual patient needs, skilled advice and training in skin protection measures, as well as detailed and prompt reports. Thus they are able to provide efficient low-level ambulatory preventive measures to complement the dermatologist's procedures.