More Than the Lungs - Asbestos Skin Problems Are Possible 

When thinking about asbestos and the health problems it can cause, we think first about the lungs. This is where most of the damage tends to be done, and it’s why asbestos has had such a devastating impact on the health of countless people over the last few decades. If you or anyone you know spent a lot of time around asbestos, even if it was years ago, there is a good chance that you’ll experience some type of lung damage. 

Unfortunately, the harm that asbestos fibers can do does not seem to be limited to the lungs. There is also the potential for affected individuals to deal with skin problems as a result of asbestos exposure, which only adds to a growing list of health concerns that’ll need to be monitored as the years pass. Let’s take a closer look at two conditions known as asbestos warts and asbestos rash. Here’s what you need to know if you suspect these issues are affecting you or someone close to you. 

What Are The Symptoms of an Asbestos Rash?

What is Asbestos Rash? 

As the name would suggest, an asbestos rash is redness and irritation that presents as a result of asbestos fibers digging into the skin. Although it is probably not an issue that is going to lead to more serious health problems all on its own, it is an indication that asbestos exposure has occurred at some point, and it may lead to more serious health problems down the road. The irritation doesn’t normally go away on its own – it tends to stick around, warranting further investigation. 

This is particularly important for people who were exposed to asbestos in a second-hand manner because, in this case, symptoms often aren’t monitored as closely as they would be if there was known, direct exposure. Many individuals exposed second-handedly don’t immediately associate skin conditions with asbestos. For example, the children of people who worked in an industrial setting and were exposed to high levels of asbestos might not think they are at risk and dismiss a skin rash as a byproduct of some other condition. 

What are Asbestos Warts? 

Similar to an asbestos rash, asbestos warts can develop on those who have been exposed. These are tiny bumps that may appear anywhere on the body. Again, it’s not so much the warts that should be concerning as it is what those warts indicate about exposure and the risk of other, more serious diseases like mesothelioma. People who believe that they’ve developed warts from asbestos exposure might want to consider visiting a healthcare provider to discuss their concerns and talk about treatment options and how to best monitor for other complications moving forward. Like almost every health condition, getting treatment for an asbestos-related illness as soon as possible is likely to lead to the best possible outcome.

 Seeking Medical Attention 

When facing unexplained skin issues like a rash or warts, it’s worthwhile to get medical help to address the matter. In some cases, it might turn out that these skin problems are completely unrelated to asbestos, and a provider will likely be able to offer another explanation for their presence. That’s the best-case scenario. The alternative, of course, is not so great. 

If it is believed that a rash is coming from exposure to asbestos, establishing care with a physician and determining next steps is essential. It’s possible that a patient will be referred for imaging of the chest and lung areas to identify any presence of an asbestos-related disease, or at the very least, fibers embedded in these areas. Whatever treatment is recommended, going with the advice of a medical professional will help improve the outcome. 

Direct Exposure is Not Required 

As mentioned above, you don’t have to have had direct exposure to asbestos in your past to be at risk. Given how much time passed before asbestos began to be heavily regulated, many people were inadvertently exposed, even indirectly. And, because of the latency of symptoms, those who were impacted years ago may just now be developing symptoms of asbestos-related health issues. Children of one-time asbestos workers who are now in adulthood can easily begin to notice signs of these conditions. 

Unfortunately, it’s an all-too-common story for parents to have brought home asbestos fibers from work and exposed children to these risks by accident. Even second-hand exposure is still very dangerous and has the potential to cause serious illness later in life. If there is any reason to suspect that a parents’ career was the cause of a skin rash, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

Compensation for Those Injured 

Dealing with skin issues that result from asbestos exposure isn’t going to rise to the level of being able to place a successful compensation claim. However, if you or a loved one has skin problems from asbestos, it’s possible that a more serious illness is present, and so far, it simply remains undetected. If a bigger health issue is uncovered, it may be possible to seek damages through an asbestos trust that has been set up specifically to compensate people victimized by widespread use of the mineral in industry. 

While countless asbestos claims have already been filed and paid out, it is not too late for claimants to get the money they deserve. Billions of dollars remain in trusts for those who qualify, and getting help from a qualified legal professional to explore all possibilities is key. Even if you aren’t sure that you’ll be a good candidate to file a claim, it will only take a small amount of your time to look into it and make a confident decision. 

As time continues to pass, the disastrous impact of asbestos on the health of countless people seems to only be getting worse, and the lingering effects of asbestos use in commercial, industrial and residential applications won’t go away anytime soon. Whatever health condition is of concern, it’s vital not to ignore it. Being proactive in one’s care and in seeking compensation will allow victims to make the most of an especially difficult situation. 

Photoraph from Wikicommons, courtesy of James Heilman, MD.

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