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Occupational contact urticaria and protein contact dermatitis: causes and concomitant airway diseases
Author(s) -
Helaskoski Eva,
Suojalehto Hille,
Kuuliala Outi,
AaltoKorte Kristiina
Publication year - 2017
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.12856
Subject(s) - concomitant , medicine , occupational asthma , asthma , dander , sensitization , allergy , dermatology , allergen , respiratory system , contact dermatitis , immunology
Summary Background Contact urticaria ( CU ) and protein contact dermatitis ( PCD ) are mainly induced by an immediate, I g E ‐mediated immunological mechanism. Immediate sensitization is also linked to asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Objectives To report causes of work‐induced CU and PCD, and to evaluate the occurrence of concomitant airway diseases. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the patient files of cases diagnosed with CU or PCD at the F innish I nstitute of O ccupational H ealth during 1995–2011. We obtained data on occupation, exposures, clinical and immunological test results, and diagnosed occupational skin and respiratory diseases. Results Altogether, 291 cases of occupational CU or PCD were diagnosed during the study period. The most common causes were flour, cow dander, natural rubber latex and acid anhydrides. Concomitant occupational asthma caused by the same agent as the skin disease was detected in 60 patients (21%), and occupational rhinitis was detected in 111 patients (38%). Conclusions Almost half of the patients (46%) with occupational CU and PCD had concomitant occupational airway disease. Patients with CU / PCD should always be asked about respiratory symptoms, and preventive measures at the workplace should include protection of both the skin and the airways.