The development, validity and feasibility of a digital tool aimed at the early detection of work-related contact dermatitis.

Work-related contact dermatitis accounts for the vast majority of occupational skin diseases, especially in occupations associated with frequent skin contact with irritants and contact allergens. The financial impact and the effect on sick leave, work disability and employment is substantial, especially at this time of severe shortages on the labour market. Usually, work-related contact dermatitis develops gradually and the prognosis is poor: 60% of patients with hand eczema develop a chronic form. It is therefore important to detect and treat work-related contact dermatitis in an early phase to prevent it becoming a chronic condition.
However, work-related contact dermatitis often remains unnoticed by the occupational physician.
Furthermore, there is currently insufficient cooperation between the curative and occupational health care professionals regarding the early detection and treatment of work-related contact dermatitis. In addition, there is little opportunity for these health care professionals to communicate easily with each other. The aim of this project is to develop a valid and reliable digital tool for the early detection of work-related contact dermatitis, in order to prevent or treat at an early stage. In addition, the aim is to improve the collaboration between curative care and occupational health care with a digital tool.