Contact Urticaria Claims

Compensation for the contraction of contact urticaria

Contact urticaria is also known as hives. This disease in an illness with an immediate onset and is a transient localised swelling that is red and occurs on your skin. It can come about after contact with a harmful substance. This condition is different to contact dermatitis as in cases of the latter it can take hours or days for the symptoms to present themselves. It can be caused by a variety of substances, such as different foods, fragrances, preservatives, plant and animal products, metal and rubber latex. It can also be due to an allergic reaction. In some cases, it is not even know what has caused the onset of the condition, but caused it indeed has been.

Certain chemicals may cause this reaction, as well. Some of these may be found in the workplace and this could therefore be considered an occupational health and safety issue in some situations.

Some substances may eventually cause an immune system response after extensive exposure to them, which makes the condition particularly insidious in the workplace. It is often true that such cases do not arise until an individual has been working with a particular substance for a long period of time, and this should be taken into consideration by employers when demanding that their workers use a particular substance for their jobs. The period prior to developing an immunological reaction to a substance is known as the sensitisation period.

Natural rubber latex is one of the most common substances to which an immune reaction can eventually develop after extensive exposure. This often presents in those who have to wear rubber gloves for part or all of their job. Cobalt and platinum salts and balsams are the most common cause of the other type of reaction, which causes the release of irritating chemicals into the skin without a reaction from the immune system.

Symptoms

The symptoms after coming into contact with one of the substances in question are immediate and can present themselves in various ways. Typical symptoms will include burning, tingling and/or itching where the substance has come into contact with your skin. Red swellings and wheals (raised bumps) can also occur, in particular on the hands. The swelling and redness will vary from a small and mild rash to severe swelling and redness which can be very painful. Symptoms with an allergic reaction may include; wheezing, watery eyes and runny nose, lip swelling and hoarse throat making it hard to swallow, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and a severe anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening.

Compensation claims

If you have suffered from contact urticaria as a result of being exposed to a harmful substance at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation. It is important that you are able to provide medical evidence of your condition as well as being able to prove that your employer neglected your health and safety and did not take the steps necessary to prevent the illness from occurring. It is also recommended you find a solicitor for assistance.

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