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An epidemiological comparison between hand eczema and non‐hand eczema
Author(s) -
GOH C.L.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1988.tb02598.x
Subject(s) - hand eczema , medicine , dermatology , contact dermatitis , atopy , allergy , potassium dichromate , epidemiology , allergic contact dermatitis , hand dermatitis , irritant contact dermatitis , immunology , inorganic chemistry , chemistry
SUMMARY Thirty four per cent of 2110 patients with eczema attending a contact dermatitis clinic presented with hand eczema. An epidemiological comparison was made of patients with hand eczema and non‐hand eczema (defined as eczema on parts of the body other than the hands). Occupational eczema was significantly more common in the hand eczema than the non‐hand eczema group (P = o.ooII). The prevalence of atopy was the same in both groups (13%). The prevalence of irritant contact dermatitis was higher in the hand eczema group (32%) than the non‐hand eczema group (13%) (P < 0.0001). The rate of allergic contact dermatitis was lower in the hand eczema group (23%) than the non‐hand eczema group (39%) (P < 0.0001). The rate of positive patch test reactions was lower in the hand eczema group (41 %) than the non‐hand eczema group (56%) (P < 0.0001). Nickel sulphate (8%), cobalt chloride (3%), potassium dichromate (3%), and fragrance mix (4%) were common allergens encountered in hand eczema group. None of these allergens was specifically more prevalent in the hand eczema than the non‐hand eczema group. However, the prevalence of allergy to nickel, colophony, epoxy resin and medicaments was significantly higher in the non‐hand eczema group.