Fiberglass Dermatitis - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Fiberglass dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition and mechanical irritant contact dermatitis characterized by the acute symptoms of papules, vesicles, and rash. Fiberglass is artificial glass in fibrous form. Pultrusion is the process of production of fiberglass. Fiberglass is widely used in industries due to its high thermal and electrical insulation properties. Fiberglass dermatitis arises from fiberglass penetration in the skin's stratum corneum layer. In addition, the coated resins in the fiberglass often cause allergic contact dermatitis. Based on the history of occupation and other risk factors, the diagnosis of fiberglass dermatitis is confirmed.

What Is Fiberglass Dermatitis?

Fiberglass dermatitis is a common form of occupational dermatitis that occurs due to the mechanical irritation of the fiberglass and the resins. Fiberglass dermatitis is the irritant contact dermatitis characterized as erythematous macules and papules. The most commonly affected areas of fiberglass dermatitis are the arms, neck, chest, and face. An early better diagnosis is made, and treatment is performed to prevent the recurrence of this condition. Preventive measures can be followed to avoid fiberglass dermatitis's risk factors and complications. Topical steroids and emollients are prescribed to improve the symptoms.

What Are the Causes of Fiberglass Dermatitis?

Fiberglass dermatitis occurs due to fiberglass penetration in the skin's stratum corneum layer. Fiberglass is a synthetic fibrous form of glass that might cause skin problems. Touching the fiberglass will not cause fiberglass dermatitis on a long-term basis. Fiberglass dermatitis is a severe form that can sometimes lead to skin cancer and lung problems. Once the fiberglass comes in contact with the skin surface, itching occurs, called fiberglass itch. Fiberglass dermatitis has several risk factors. Fiberglass dermatitis is an occupation-related skin condition. Hence, the risk of fiberglass exposure is increased in the following activities.

• Installation of fiberglass.

• Boat manufacturers,

• Heating fiberglass.

• Ventilating and air conditioning ductwork cleaning.

• Installation of fiberglass.

• Construction works.

• Airborne fiberglass particles.

• Working clothes will spread fiberglass dermatitis in families.

• Mechanical irritation of fiberglass in the skin.

• Deeper penetration of fiberglass.

• Environmental factors.

• Thick fiberglass with increased diameter has more irritation.

• Small-length fibers or short fibers cause more irritation.

What Are the Symptoms of Fiberglass Dermatitis?

Fiberglass dermatitis has a typical onset of acute symptoms. Long-term exposure to fiberglass causes chronic symptoms. The neck, face, forearms, and hands are the most common areas of fiberglass dermatitis. Locations at friction are at risk of fiberglass dermatitis. Fiberglass dermatitis has several signs and symptoms. Some of the signs and symptoms of fiberglass dermatitis are mentioned below.

• Paronychia (bacterial nail infection).

• Sore throat.

• Burning sensation in the eyes.

• Cough.

• Papules and vesicles.

• Excoriations.

• Follicular type of skin rash. The skin on the affected areas shows erythema, called redness.

• Scaly skin.

• Skin lichenification (rough hard patches of skin caused by repeated rubbing or itching).

• Skin desquamation (skin peeling).

• Itching sensation.

• Rare symptoms of fiberglass dermatitis include ulcers and fissures.

• Burning sensation.

• Lung injuries.

What Is the Diagnosis of Fiberglass Dermatitis?

The diagnosis of fiberglass dermatitis is based on the history of exposure and the risk factors. The confirmed diagnosis of fiberglass dermatitis is made by skin stripping. Microscopic examinations of fiberglass dermatitis in the striped skin. There are various diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of fiberglass dermatitis. Some of the diagnostic measures for fiberglass dermatitis are mentioned below:

• History of the patient.

• Occupational history.

• Physical examinations.

• Skin stripping.

• Skin biopsy.

• Reflectance confocal microscopy.

• Patch testing.

What Is the Differential Diagnosis of Fiberglass Dermatitis?

Fiberglass dermatitis is a type of contact dermatitis, and the signs and symptoms of fiberglass dermatitis are similar to other types of contact dermatitis. Therefore, comparing symptoms will lead to different diagnoses and avoid misdiagnosis. Some of the differential diagnoses of fiberglass dermatitis are mentioned below:

• Irritant contact dermatitis variants.

• Atopic dermatitis.

• Allergic type of contact dermatitis.

• Insect bites.

• Scabies (caused by a skin infestation by the human itch mite).

What Is the Treatment of Fiberglass Dermatitis?

The treatment is done to manage the symptoms. The symptomatic management of fiberglass will reduce the symptoms. In addition, avoiding contact with fiberglass dermatitis will improve the symptoms. The symptomatic management of fiberglass dermatitis is mentioned below.

• Topical corticosteroids.

• Emollients (moisturizing treatments used directly on the skin to hydrate it).

• Antibiotics are suggested for secondary bacterial infections.

• Fiberglass can be removed safely by following the steps.

• The affected area is washed with running water, and gently dry the affected area with a dry towel.

• The glass fibers can be stuck out from the skin by placing a piece of tape.

• The tape is peeled to remove the fibers.

How to Prevent Fiberglass Dermatitis?

Preventive measures to avoid contact with fiberglass are followed to reduce the risk of fiberglass dermatitis. For example, people working in fiberglass-related industries can wear personal protective equipment to prevent the penetration of fiberglass into the skin. According to the occupational safety and health administration recommendations, the preventive measures for fiberglass safety are mentioned below:

• Loose-fitted clothes can be worn.

• Rubber gloves made of nitrile are worn to avoid direct skin contact.

• NIOSH-approved N95 respirators are used.

• Protective goggles can prevent eye irritation.

• Use a wet cloth or a vacuum to clean the surface of the fiberglass.

• Always wash clothes after work.

• Visit the doctor if symptoms like swelling, pus, and warmth sense in the affected area.

Conclusion

Fiberglass dermatitis is an occupation-related dermal condition characterized by erythematous papules and macules. The symptoms of fiberglass dermatitis are primarily observed in the neck, forehead, arms, and hands. Fiberglass dermatitis is caused by the penetration of fiberglass in the stratum corneum layer of the skin. Long-term exposure to fiberglass will cause systemic symptoms such as burning eyes and lung-related injuries. A proper diagnosis is made, and the diagnosis is confirmed by the microscopic findings obtained from the skin stripping. The treatment of fiberglass dermatitis is done to manage the symptoms, and topical corticosteroids and emollients are advised to relieve the symptoms. Preventive measures are followed to reduce the risk associated with fiberglass dermatitis. However, early diagnosis, doctor-advised treatments, and preventive measures are observed to improve the quality of life.