Tertiary prevention of occupational skin diseases: Prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis and pattern of patch test results.

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is one of the most common occupational skin diseases (OSDs). Its prevalence and the causative allergens differ between occupations. To evaluate the prevalence of ACD and the pattern of patch test results of patients taking part in a tertiary individual prevention programme (TIP) for OSD in Germany. In a retrospective cohort study, the data of 3411 TIP patients patch tested between 2007 and 2016 were analysed. In 2687 (78.8%) patients, work-related skin disease was diagnosed, mostly hand dermatitis. The highest proportion of face dermatitis was seen in painters (8.1%). ACD was most common in painters (56.8%), hairdressers (45.8%), construction workers (31.5%), gardeners/florists (26.7%), and metalworkers (26.5%). On average, hairdressers had the youngest age (31.4 ± 12.6 years, P < 0.0001) and the shortest time in the profession prior to the TIP (mean 13.7 years). The pattern of patch test reactivity showed occupation-specific differences related to work exposures. Identification of occupational groups at risk for ACD and relevant allergens may help in the development and implementation of targeted prevention strategies. Our data suggest that there should be a particular focus on hairdressers and painters.