Patch tests with occupational contactants in nurses, doctors and dentists

Abstract

In this study, 333 nurses, 92 dentists and 167 doctors were investigated. Most positive patch tests obtained were unrelated to occupation. Nurses were most often sensitized to penicillins and, of the disinfectants, formaldehyde was the commonest cause of occupational dermatitis. Among dentists, the most common occupational allergens were eugenol and mercuric chloride. Among surgeons, as compared with physicians, there were frequent reactions to mercuric chloride and balsam of Peru, and a higher number of positive patch tests with other contactants. Among those sensitized to chromium, 4 doctors found that contact with chromic catgut was harmful. 6 other doctors were intolerant to surgical gloves. A number of nurses and doctors had an irritant contact dermatitis from chlorhexidine.

A comparison of the irritant and allergenic properties of antiseptics

“…It should be kept in mind that the differential diagnosis with irritant reactions is important, in particular when chlorhexidine is used under occlusion. Occupationally-related allergic contact dermatitis cases have also been reported [35,36]. Contact (immunological) urticaria and anaphylactic reactions to chlorhexidine are well-documented [37].…”

Adverse reactions associated with the use of eugenol in dentistry

“…These reactions range from localised irritation of the skin to allergic contact dermatitis. [15][16][17][18] The type and extent of oral soft tissue reactions to eugenol vary, but can be thought of in three ways:…”

Review of the allergic contact dermatitis hazard posed by chromium‐contaminated soil: Identifying a “safe” concentration

“…This is thought to be a result of the fact that chromium must first dissolve in sweat or some other liquid before it can be absorbed through the skin. Less than 3% of workers exposed to dry cement Jaeger and Pelloni, 1950Pirila, 1954Avnstorp, 1989Avnstorp, 1989Avnstorp, 1991Engebrigsten, 1952Korallus, 1974Rudzki et al, 1989Lee and Coh, 1988Hjerpe, 1986Lammintausta et al, 1982Winston and Walsh, 1951Rudski et al, 1989Peltonen and Fräki, 1983 dust have been sensitized to chromium (Avnstorp, 1989;Engebrigtsen, 1952).…”