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Self‐reported hand eczema among dental workers in Japan – a cross‐sectional study
Author(s) -
Minamoto Keiko,
Watanabe Takeshi,
Diepgen Thomas L.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.12656
Subject(s) - medicine , hand eczema , odds ratio , cross sectional study , confidence interval , logistic regression , allergic contact dermatitis , atopic dermatitis , epidemiology , dentistry , allergy , environmental health , contact dermatitis , dermatology , immunology , pathology
Summary Background Dental workers are considered to have a high risk of developing occupational hand eczema. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of work‐related hand eczema and associated risk factors in dental workers in Japan. Methods A self‐administered questionnaire was sent by mail to all dental clinics of Kumamoto City, Japan. In addition, patch testing with 24 dentistry‐related allergens was offered. Results In total, 46.4% of dental workers (n = 528: response 31.4%, based on 97 clinics) reported a lifetime history of chronic hand eczema. The 1‐year prevalence was 36.2%. According to logistic regression analysis, the most important risk factors for the 1‐year prevalence were a personal history of atopic dermatitis [odds ratio ( OR ) 4.7, 95% confidence interval ( CI ): 2.2–8.8], asthma and/or allergic rhinitis ( OR 2.0, 95% CI : 1.3–3.0), dry skin ( OR 1.7, 95% CI : 1.1–2.7), shorter duration of work ( OR 2.0, 95% CI : 1.2–3.5 for up to 10 years versus >20 years), and washing hands >10 times per day ( OR 1.6, 95% CI : 1.0–2.5). Fifty‐four workers were patch tested. Rubber chemicals and acrylates were the most frequent occupationally relevant contact allergens. Conclusions Dental workers in Japan have a high prevalence of hand eczema. Health education to prevent hand eczema and more frequent patch testing are needed.