Processing of Dermatology

1775

First scientifically described occupational skin disease: Sir Percivall Pott publishes his studies on chimneysweepers suffering from scrotal cancer and relates the disease to soot

 

19th century

Occupational diseases become their own domain; the identification of their reasons gives rise to industrial hygiene

 

1845

Publication of the first German book regarding occupational diseases and industrial hygiene: “Entstehung, Verlauf und Behandlung der Krankheiten der Künstler und Gewerbetreibenden” (Pathogenesis, Development and Treatment of the Diseases of Artists and Craftsmen) by A.C.L. Halforts

 

1856

Ferdinand von Hebra describes contact dermatitis as a special occupational strain and creates a classification for the treatment of skin diseases; he writes the books “Atlas der Hautkrankheiten” (The Atlas of Skin Diseases, 1856) and “Lehrbuch der Hautkrankheiten” (The Textbook of Skin Diseases, 1878 with Moritz Kaposi)

 

1884

Introduction of the accident insurance within the framework of Bismarck’s social legislation. Initially, only occupational accidents are covered

 

1911

Turning point in the research on contact dermatitis: the publication of “Wesen der Iodoformidiosynkrasie” (The Nature of Iodoform Idiosyncrasy) by Bruno Bloch creates a systematic test method

 

1922

Publication of the book “Die Schädigungen der Haut durch Beruf und gewerbliche Arbeit” (The Skin’s Damage due to Profession and Industrial Work), edited by Moritz Oppenheim, J.H. Rille and Karl Ullmann; major focus is put on dermatitis caused by physical stimuli like heat, cold, compressed air and radiation

 

1925

Occupational diseases caused by radiation or specific substances are added to the accident insurance; although skin cancer is considered, skin diseases are not explicitly mentioned

 

1929

Skin diseases caused by specific substances are explicitly accepted in accident insurance

 

1936

Extension of the accident insurance to all severe and recurring skin diseases leading to career change or occupational disability

Since the 1950's

Occupational dermatitis and its prevention become an increasing focus of interest for dermatologists