Prevalence and predictors of self reported skin disease among farmworkers

Skin diseases, such as skin lesions, rashes and fungal infections, are known to be prevalent among migrant farmworkers. However, little research exists on the rates and predictors of specific occupational skin diseases in the farmworker population. Farmworkers face many barriers to accessing health care and many do not seek treatment for a skin problem unless it affects their ability to work. The skin problems that farmworkers report indicate those that affect their quality of life and limit their ability to work. These are skin problems for which intervention is needed. During the 2005 growing season, 304 farmworkers from 45 camps in eastern North Carolina were interviewed up to five times each at three week intervals. Respondents reported the presence of skin problems during the week prior to the interview. Skin and nail fungal infections, sunburns, rashes and insect bites were among the most frequently reported skin problems. The frequency of each reported skin problem varied across the growing season. Work characteristics, including hours worked, working in specific crops, performing specific tasks, working in wet clothes, wearing a rain suit, and having worked in or next to a field with recent pesticide application were the primary predictors of skin problems. Work characteristics were associated with itching, rash, skin fungus, acne and nail fungus. Most of the factors related to reported skin problems can be modified through worker education, providing appropriate personal protection equipment, and adherence to current regulations.