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Hand eczema and occupational contact allergies in healthcare workers with a focus on rubber additives
Author(s) -
Hamnerius Nils,
Svedman Cecilia,
Bergendorff Ola,
Björk Jonas,
Bruze Magnus,
Engfeldt Malin,
Pontén Ann
Publication year - 2018
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.13042
Subject(s) - contact allergy , medicine , allergy , hand eczema , contact dermatitis , allergic contact dermatitis , dermatology , latex allergy , patch test , natural rubber , occupational exposure , irritant contact dermatitis , environmental health , immunology , composite material , materials science
Background Hand eczema (HE) in healthcare workers (HCWs) is common. Besides wet work, healthcare work also implies exposure to contact allergens. Objectives To assess HE and contact allergy related to occupational exposures in HCWs. Methods In a cross‐sectional study, 311 HCWs with HE within the preceding 12 months and a control group of 114 HCWs without HE were investigated with the baseline series and a special patch test series based on substances found in the gloves, soaps, alcoholic hand disinfectants and hand creams provided at the hospitals. Results Contact allergy to rubber additives was significantly more common in HCWs with HE (6%) than in HCWs without HE (1%, P  = .02). The corresponding percentages for fragrances were 11% and 3%, respectively ( P  = .004). Occupational HE was found in 193 of 311 (62%) HCWs. Of these, 22 of 193 (11%) had occupational allergic contact dermatitis, including 17 with glove‐related rubber contact allergy. Contact allergy to diphenylguanidine was as common as contact allergy to thiurams. Occupational contact allergy to rubber additives was significantly associated with sick‐leave related to HE. Conclusion Contact allergy to rubber additives in medical gloves is the most common cause of occupational allergic contact dermatitis in HCWs. Aimed patch testing with relevant rubber additives is mandatory when HE in HCWs is investigated.

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