Relevance of contact sensitizations in occupational dermatitis patients with special focus on patch testing of workplace materials

Abstract

Background: Studies on patch testing with workplace materials and evaluation of current occupational relevance of positive patch test reactions are scarce in patients with occupational dermatitis (OD). Objectives: To identify frequent sensitizations with occupational relevance and to determine the value of patch testing with workplace materials in OD patients. Patients and Methods: Results and clinical data of 654 patients with suspected OD patch tested between 2013 and 2017 were analysed. Results: Occupational allergic contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 113 (17.3%) patients. Mechanics had the widest range of occupational sensitizations. Sensitization to epoxy resin was rated occupationally relevant in almost all handicraft trades. Among positive patch test reactions to workplace products, those to water-based metal working fluids and leave-on cosmetic products were most frequent. Despite frequent testing, protective gloves only rarely elicited positive reactions. Preservatives and rubber compounds were most frequently identified as currently occupationally relevant. Conclusions: Rubber allergy is occupationally relevant especially in healthcare workers and cleaners. Generally, preservatives including formaldehyde releasers are important allergens in OD patients. Leave-on cosmetic products must not be forgotten as allergen sources. Patch testing both workplace materials and standardized test

Prevalence and incidence of hand eczema in hairdressers—A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the published literature from 2000–2021

“…Women accounted for 96.1% (11 546/12011) and the median and average age range was 17 to 37 and 21.1 to 37.4 years, respectively. Eight studies were cohort studies 7,16‐22 and 11 were cross‐sectional studies 11,23‐32 . Hand eczema was assessed by a questionnaire in 14 studies, 7,19‐23,25‐32 of which 7 used the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ) 7,20‐22,28,31,32 .…”

Occupational contact dermatitis in painters and varnishers: Data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2000 to 2019

“…have to be interpreted with caution as this test preparation is known to elicit doubtful or irritant reactions quite frequently 40 . Painters use protective gloves rather infrequent in comparison to other professions 5 . Hence, occupationally used protective gloves were patch tested in four of nine patients sensitized to 1,3‐DPG, and only one patient reacted positively (data not shown in detail).…”

“…Painters and varnishers (hereinafter referred to as painters) are exposed to a variety of contact allergens and skin irritants in paints and varnishes, adhesives, (wood) preservatives, solvents and detergents, fillers (putty), or (rubber) gloves 1,2 . Therefore, they are at risk for developing occupational dermatitis (OD) with a high share of allergic contact dermatitis of the face 3‐5 . Paints and varnishes consist of manifold compounds, including colorants (pigments and dyes), binders, solvents, and multiple additives, such as thickeners, softeners, and biocides 1 .…”

The additive value of patch testing non‐commercial test substances and patients' own products in a clinic of occupational dermatology

“…In the previous literature, there is a report from an Australian clinic of occupational dermatology by Slodownik et al 1 A recent German study assessed the value of patch testing with workplace materials in occupational dermatitis patients. 12 workplace materials per patient were common, and thus the number of individual reactions was much higher than 91. The Germans diagnosed OACD in 17.3% of the patients, a figure much lower than ours.…”