Occupational Contact Research Articles

Outbreak of occupational allergic contact dermatitis from a smartphone screen protector glue.

BackgroundSensitization to acrylates is a concern in the occupational/environmental dermatology field.ObjectiveTo describe an occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) outbreak from a smartphone screen protector glue.MethodsThirteen affected workers of a chain store selling phone screen protectors were investigated in five Spanish dermatology departments. The glue datasheet and label were assessed. A chemical analysis of the glue was performed. Based on this, some patients underwent additional testing.ResultsAll patients (all female, mean age: 25) had severe fingertip dermatitis.The datasheet/label indicated that the glue contained isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), a “photoinitiator” and polyurethane oligomer. The company informed us that the ingredients were polyurethane acrylate, “methacrylate” (unspecified), acrylic acid, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, propylmethoxy siloxane, and photoinitiator 184. Isobornyl acrylate (or IBOA) and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) were patch tested in eight and two cases, respectively, with negative results.A chemical analysis revealed 4‐acryloylmorpholine (ACMO); isobornyl methacrylate (IBMA), and lauryl acrylate in one glue sample. Seven patients were patch tested with dilutions of the identified substances and six of seven were positive for ACMO 0.5% pet.ConclusionAn outbreak of occupational ACD, likely from ACMO in a glue is described. Further investigations are needed to corroborate the role played by each compound identified in the chemical analyses.

Assessment of Hepatitis B Vaccination Status and Associated Factors among Healthcare Workers in Bosaso, Puntland, Somalia 2020.

Introduction Hepatitis B virus disease is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is a major public health problem worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate, two billion people worldwide have serologic evidence of past or present HBV infection. The risk of infection is high among health professionals due to the risk of occupational contact with fluids of infected patients and the risk of needle stick injury. This study is aimed at assessing HBV vaccination coverage and reasons for possible defiance of the vaccine among healthcare workers in Bosaso, Somalia. Methodology. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted by using a quantitative approach to identify hepatitis B virus vaccination coverage and reasons for vaccine defiance in Bosaso from September 2020 to November 2020. Healthcare workers (HCWs) in Bosaso city both in public and private health facilities who accepted to participate in this study were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire, and SPSS was used to analyze the collected data. Results We found that only (16.4%) of HCWs were fully vaccinated. The main reasons for not taking the vaccine by the participants were the unavailability of the vaccine (42%), high vaccine cost (28.7%), lack of time (20.7%), and fear of vaccine side effects (7.5%). The majority (69.7%) of HCWs demonstrated good knowledge about HBV infection. The vaccination uptake was significantly higher among midwives (p = 0.02; OR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.39 − 67.41) and individuals aged under 30 years (p = 0.03; OR = 8.6; 95%CI = 1.17–63.26). Conclusion Our study revealed that vaccination coverage of HCWs in Bosaso was very low because of the unavailability of vaccines, high cost of the vaccine, lack of time, and fear of vaccine side effects. Therefore, the development and implementation of policies related to HBV vaccination are recommended.

Factors Influencing Level and Persistence of Anti SARS-CoV-2 IgG after BNT162b2 Vaccine: Evidence from a Large Cohort of Healthcare Workers.

We aimed at evaluating quantitative IgG response to BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine among health care workers (HCW), and exploring the role of demographic, clinical, and occupational factors as predictors of IgG levels. On May 2021, among 6687 HCW at the largest tertiary care University-Hospital of Northwestern Italy, at a median of 15 weeks (Interquartile range-IQR 13.6–16.0) after second-dose, serological response was present in 99.8%. Seropositivity was >97% in all the subgroups, except those self-reporting immunodeficiency (94.9%). Overall, the median serological IgG value was 990 BAU/mL (IQR 551–1870), with most of subjects with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or with shorter time lapse (2–8 weeks) between vaccination and serology with values in the highest quintile (>2080). At multivariable analysis, significant predictors of lower values were increasing age, male, current smoking, immunodeficiency, recent occupational contacts, and increasing time lapse from vaccination; conversely, previous infection and recent household contacts were significantly associated with higher IgG levels. Subjects with previous infection kept a very high level (around 2000 BAU/mL) up to 120 days. These results, besides supporting a high serological response up to 4–5 months, suggest predictive factors of faster decay of IgG levels that could be useful in tailoring vaccination strategies.

Determinants of behavioural indicators of potato (Solanum tuberosum) growers in Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh

The present study was carried out to find out the factors that may affect the behavioural dimensions of potato farmers, viz. their knowledge and adoption level as well as their knowledge-adoption gap about scientific potato cultivation practices in Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh during 2016–17. Multiple regression and stepwise regression analysis was done with selected independent variables to see the effect of independent variables on the selected indicators. The analysed data showed that at knowledge level out of 18 variables taken for analysis of regression, four variables, viz. housing pattern, occupation, material possession and formal extension contact were highly significant (P<0.01); five variables, viz. education, housing pattern, informal extension contact, scientific orientation and risk orientation were highly significant (P<0.01) for their adoption level; and at knowledge-adoption gap one variable i.e. education was highly significant (P<0.01). The R2 value and F value of knowledge, adoption and knowledge adoption level were 0.59, 0.29, 0.33 and 8.63, 2.52 and 2.95 (P<0.01), respectively. The R2 value of stepwise regression in knowledge, adoption and knowledge-adoption gap level was 0.54, 0.24 and 0.24.

Occupational contact dermatitis among young people in Denmark - A survey of causes and long-term consequences.

Studies on the causes and consequences of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) among young workers are non-existent. Determine causes and consequences of OCD among workers younger than 35 years of age. A questionnaire was sent to 6251 workers younger than 35 years at notification with recognized OCD (response rate 47%). The most prevalent occupations were health care workers, kitchen workers, nursery teachers, and hairdressers and beauticians. Seventy-six percent still had eczema, and 77% of these had eczema half to all the time over the last 3 months, with 61% evaluating their eczema as moderate to very severe. Fifty-three percent had changed their occupation since notification, and 42.5% had lost their job because of OCD. Allergic OCD increased the odds ratio (OR) for facial or foot eczema, job loss, change in work tasks, difficulties finding work, decrease in income, and sick leave. Age at notification of 25 years of age or younger increased the risk of job loss and feeling restricted in choice of job. Workers in the food industry had a higher OR for job loss, whereas hairdressers and beauticians had a higher risk of job loss and a decrease in income. The severe, long-term consequences of OCD notification signify the need for further preventive strategies among young workers.

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by shellac.

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by shellac.

Neopterin as a biomarker showing risks of developing pathology in bronchi and lungs among workers who have occupational contacts with industrial aerosols

Our research goal was to estimate neopterin level in blood serum of workers occupationally exposed to industrial aerosols with predominantly fibrogenic effects; to establish a relationship between this level and workers’ age, working experience in hazardous working conditions, spirometric parameters and the level of C-reactive protein. We also aimed to assess neopterin as a possible biomarker showing risks of the developing inflammatory process in the bronchi and lungs at its early stage. Our observation covered the following groups: workers employed at a metallurgic plant who had occupational contacts with industrial aerosols (exposure factors included welding and silicon-containing aerosols with predominantly fibrogenic effects in concentrations exceeding maximum permissible ones in workplace air); people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of occupational etiology (COPD OE) in their post-exposure period; workers who didn’t have any occupational contacts with industrial aerosols. We determined neopterin contents in blood serum with ELISA test using “Neopterin ELISA” reagent kit (IBL, Hamburg). Elevated neopterin levels were detected in blood serum of 56.1 % workers who were occupationally exposed to industrial aerosols and 53.3 % of patients with COPD OE; we also found a direct correlation between levels of neopterin and interferon gamma. Only 18.7 % workers without any occupational contacts with industrial aerosols had elevated neopterin levels in their blood serum and there were no authentic correlations between these levels and interferon gamma contents in this group. Workers who were occupationally exposed to industrial aerosols had a more apparent increase in the average level of neopterin at an age younger than 40 years and working experience shorter than 20 years in comparison with workers without any such exposure. Neopterin can be used as a potential sensitive biomarker showing risks of an early inflammatory reaction in the lungs occurring in workers who are occupationally exposed to industrial aerosols. People with elevated neopterin levels in blood, especially those who are occupationally exposed to industrial aerosols, can be recommended to have their bronchi and lungs monitored in dynamics.

Неоптерин как биомаркер риска развития бронхолегочной патологии у работающих в контакте с промышленными аэрозолями Главные вкладки Просмотр(активная вкладка) Редактировать

Our research goal was to estimate neopterin level in blood serum of workers occupationally exposed to industrial aerosols with predominantly fibrogenic effects; to establish a relationship between this level and workers’ age, working experience in hazardous working conditions, spirometric parameters and the level of C-reactive protein. We also aimed to assess neopterin as a possible biomarker showing risks of the developing inflammatory process in the bronchi and lungs at its early stage. Our observation covered the following groups: workers employed at a metallurgic plant who had occupational contacts with industrial aerosols (exposure factors included welding and silicon-containing aerosols with predominantly fibrogenic effects in concentrations exceeding maximum permissible ones in workplace air); people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of occupational etiology (COPD OE) in their post-exposure period; workers who didn’t have any occupational contacts with industrial aerosols. We determined neopterin contents in blood serum with ELISA test using “Neopterin ELISA” reagent kit (IBL, Hamburg). Elevated neopterin levels were detected in blood serum of 56.1 % workers who were occupationally exposed to industrial aerosols and 53.3 % of patients with COPD OE; we also found a direct correlation between levels of neopterin and interferon gamma. Only 18.7 % workers without any occupational contacts with industrial aerosols had elevated neopterin levels in their blood serum and there were no authentic correlations between these levels and interferon gamma contents in this group. Workers who were occupationally exposed to industrial aerosols had a more apparent increase in the average level of neopterin at an age younger than 40 years and working experience shorter than 20 years in comparison with workers without any such exposure. Neopterin can be used as a potential sensitive biomarker showing risks of an early inflammatory reaction in the lungs occurring in workers who are occupationally exposed to industrial aerosols. People with elevated neopterin levels in blood, especially those who are occupationally exposed to industrial aerosols, can be recommended to have their bronchi and lungs monitored in dynamics.

Spousal Occupational Sorting and COVID-19 Incidence: Evidence from the United States

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of patterns in spousal occupational sorting on the incidence of COVID-19 in the United States over the period of April-June 2020.Methods & MaterialsTwo regression models with the state-level data from the United States are considered. The outcome variables are the number of COVID-19 cases per 100’000 people and the number of deaths from COVID-19 per 100’000 people in state s on date t. The daily observations of COVID-19 cases and deaths are pooled together for each week. The explanatory variables are taken from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and include an array of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics: average household size, share of married couples, share of males, shares of age groups (20-39, 40-59, and above 60), shares of Black, Hispanic, and Asian, share of people without health insurance, median income, population density, average commute time to work, share of people who use public transportation, and employment of working-age population by occupations. The main variable of interest, the measure of spousal occupational sorting, is constructed using the Pearson correlation coefficient between the degrees of occupation contact intensity of husband and wife. All the explanatory variables represent the pre-pandemic characteristics of the U.S. states. The regressions are run for each week so that the coefficients are allowed to be time-varying.ResultsA higher degree of spousal sorting into occupations of different contact intensity is associated with a greater number of COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100’000 people over the first weeks of the pandemic. The effect on the number of cases is statistically significant during the first 2 weeks following April 1, 2020. The effect on the number of deaths is statistically significant over the first 12 weeks.ConclusionThe degree of contact-intensity-based spousal occupational sorting is likely to account for the part of the state-level variation in the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths over the first months of the pandemic. First, this finding is consistent with the literature that emphasizes the importance of household transmission of COVID-19. Second, more broadly, it highlights the significant effects of socioeconomic factors on the incidence of COVID-19.

Relational Analysis between Profile of Kisan Credit Card Scheme Beneficiary Farmers and Impact of Kisan Credit Card Scheme

The present investigation was conducted in Latur and Osmanabad district of the Marathwada region during the year 2020 and 2021 which was selected purposively on the basis of maximum number of Kisan Credit Card Scheme beneficiary farmers. Ex-post-facto research design was adopted in this study. The data were collected with the help of pretested interview schedule from the respondents and analysed by using Pearson’s coefficient of correlation, multiple regression analysis and Path analysis. It was observed from correlation analysis that education, annual income, occupation, land holding, social participation and extension contact were positively and significantly related with the impact of KCC Scheme while sources of information, economic motivation, risk orientation and knowledge were positive and highly significant relationship with the impact of KCC Scheme. The variable namely age, size of family and type of family were non-significant with the impact of KCC Scheme. It was observed from multiple regression analysis that co-efficient of determination (R2) of the independent variables was 0.778. The value of ‘t’ showed that impact of KCC Scheme was significantly related with education, annual income, occupation, land holding, extension contact, sources of information, economic motivation, risk orientation and knowledge. In relation to path analysis, it was observed that, sources of information, extension contact, education, knowledge, land holding, annual income, social participation, age, occupation and risk orientation were important variables in absence of which independent variables are not able to influence the impact of KCC Scheme on its beneficiaries.

Factors Associated with Levels of Organophosphate Pesticides in Household Dust in Agricultural Communities.

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. Pesticide use data are available for California from the Pesticide Use Report (PUR), but household- and individual-level exposure factors have not been fully characterized to support its refinement as an exposure assessment tool. Unique exposure pathways, such as proximity to agricultural operations and direct occupational contact, further complicate pesticide exposure assessment among agricultural communities. We sought to identify influencing factors of pesticide exposure to support future exposure assessment and epidemiological studies. Household dust samples were collected from 28 homes in four California agricultural communities during January and June 2019 and were analyzed for the presence of OPs. Factors influencing household OPs were identified by a data-driven model via best subsets regression. Key factors that impacted dust OP levels included household cooling strategies, secondary occupational exposure to pesticides, and geographic location by community. Although PUR data demonstrate seasonal trends in pesticide application, this study did not identify season as an important factor, suggesting OP persistence in the home. These results will help refine pesticide exposure assessment for future studies and highlight important gaps in the literature, such as our understanding of pesticide degradation in an indoor environment.

Occupational Contact Dermatitis in Dental Personnel: A Retrospective Analysis of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group Data, 2001 to 2018.

Dental personnel are at risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis. The aims of the study were to determine prevalence of occupational contact dermatitis in dental personnel referred for patch testing and to characterize relevant allergens and sources. The study used a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) data, 2001-2018. Of 41,109 patients, 585 (1.4%) were dental personnel. Dental personnel were significantly more likely than nondental personnel to be female (75.7% vs 67.4%, P < 0.0001), have occupationally related dermatitis (35.7% vs 11.5%, P < 0.0001), and/or have primary hand involvement (48.6% vs 22.5%, P < 0.0001). More than one quarter of dental personnel (62/585, 27.7%) had 1 or more occupationally related allergic patch test reaction(s). There were 249 occupationally related reactions to NACDG screening allergens, most commonly glutaraldehyde (18.1%), thiuram mix (16.1%), and carba mix (14.1%). The most common sources of NACDG screening allergens were gloves (30.7%), dental materials (26.6%), and sterilizing solutions (13.1%). Seventy-three dental personnel (12.5%) had 1 or more positive patch test reactions to occupationally related allergen(s)/substances not on the screening series. Occupationally related irritant contact dermatitis was identified in 22.2% (n = 130) of dental personnel, most commonly to nonskin soaps/detergents/disinfectants (32.0%). Occupational contact dermatitis is common in dental personnel referred for patch testing. Comprehensive testing beyond screening series is important in these patients.

Epidemiological characterization of notified human brucellosis cases in Southern Brazil.

ABSTRACTBrucellosis is one of the most important and widespread bacterial zoonotic diseases worldwide, and it is transmitted to humans from various sources, including direct contact with infected animals and the ingestion of contaminated products, including unpasteurized milk. There are only a few epidemiological studies on said disease in humans in Western Santa Catarina, a region instantiated by agriculture. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological aspects of human brucellosis reported in Western Santa Catarina from 2013 to 2018. The data were provided by the Epidemiological Surveillance Board (Diretoria de Vigilancia Epidemiologica). The frequency of the disease in humans and the epidemiological profile of confirmed human cases were evaluated. Cases that were screened positive and those that were confirmed and submitted to the therapeutic protocol were analyzed. During the study period, 3,671 people were tested, of which 12.34% were screened positive (453/ 3,671) and 3.40% were confirmed (125/3,671). The year with the highest number of people testing positive was 2015 (123 cases), and 2018 was the year with the highest number of confirmed cases (39 cases). Confirmed cases predominated in males (48.8%), self-declared white (22.4%), aged 20-59 years old (60%), with incomplete primary education (22.4%), of rural origin (59.2%), with occupational contact with cattle (64.8%), engaged in professions directly linked to agricultural and livestock activities (55.5%), and who reported consumption of unpasteurized dairy products (59.2%). No seasonal variation was observed in case numbers. The results demonstrated that brucellosis is an endemic disease in Western Santa Catarina.

Prevalence and Patterns of Latex Glove Allergy among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Center In South India - A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background:Latex glove allergy and its impact on healthcare workers (HCWs) have been studied in many countries, but the data is scarce from developing countries.Objectives:We wanted to estimate the prevalence and patterns of latex glove allergy among HCWs and to study the factors associated with it.Materials and Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1088 HCWs of a tertiary care center in South India with the screening questionnaire adopted from “Allergy and Asthma network.” Skin prick test, patch test, and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) were performed only in consenting symptomatic HCWs.Results:The prevalence of latex glove allergy in our study subjects was 9.1% (99/1088). This includes latex protein allergy and contact dermatitis to rubber glove allergens. The most common manifestation of latex glove allergy was irritant contact dermatitis observed in 68 HCWs (68.6%). Other presentations were allergic rhinitis (40.4%), allergic contact dermatitis (17.1%), contact urticaria (11.1%), allergic conjunctivitis (6.06%), and asthma (3.03%). The risk factors associated with latex glove allergy in our study were atopy (OR = 20.51), working in both ward and operation theater (OR = 26.6), auxiliary staff (OR = 4.75), and more than ten years of hospital work experience (OR = 3.85).Conclusion:Our study reported a high prevalence of latex glove allergy. With irritant contact dermatitis being the most common manifestation in our study, HCWs at risk shall be educated on the appropriate use of gloves and hand moisturizer to prevent occupational irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). We recommend further research to address the gaps in our knowledge around latex allergy in a healthcare setting.

Perfil demográfico e clínico de casos ocupacionais de sensibilização a metilisotiazolinona e Kathon CG: estudo seccional

Abstract Introduction: methylisothiazolinone alone or associated with methylchloroisothiazolinone (Kathon CG) is a preservative related to occupational allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives: to evaluate the demographic and clinical profile of occupational cases of sensitization to isothiazolinones in the city of Rio de Janeiro and to describe the presence of these preservatives in national paints. Methods: cross-sectional study based on information from medical records of workers who underwent patch testing between 2013-2017. The prevalence of clinical, demographic and occupational characteristics was described and an unadjusted model was used to investigate the association between variables. We sought the presence and concentration of isothiazolinones in the chemical composition sheets of national paints. Results: among the 768 workers submitted to the tests, 68 had occupational dermatosis with a positive result for sensitization to methylisothiazolinone/Kathon CG. The most affected occupations were those related to domestic activities and cleaning. There was a greater likelihood of sensitization to isothiazolinones in women and in those with involvement of the hands and legs. Among the 61 paints evaluated, 26 had some isothiazolinone, with methylchloroisothiazolinone being the most common. Conclusions: sensitization to isothiazolinones can impact workers’ health and demands greater vigilance on cleaning materials and cosmetics, as well as discussing the composition regulation of the paints sold in Brazil.

Intervenções da terapia ocupacional para adultos com dificuldades de aprendizagem: avaliando os encaminhamentos recebidos antes e durante o pico da pandemia pelo COVID-19

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted on service provision for adults who have a learning disability, resulting in reduced occupational activities, routine, and social contact. Objective To analyse referrals received for Occupational Therapy intervention for adults who have a learning disability pre-COVID-19 (2019) and during COVID-19 (2020). Method This is a descriptive study conducted as a service evaluation with an NHS Trust Clinical Effectiveness Team in a city in the North of England. The data source was obtained from referral documentation. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted from a data Performa and analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, and standard deviation) performed by the Software Microsoft Excel. Results The total number of cases used in this evaluation was 274. There was an increase in referrals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest increase was for Occupational Therapy intervention focusing on engagement in meaningful occupation. Over both years the predominant referrals were for equipment reviews. Conclusion Data collected captures a broad range of information regarding Occupational Therapy service provision pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic and puts this in the context of future considerations regarding the Occupational Therapy services for adults who have a learning disability.

Faecal carriage of Clostridioides difficile is low among veterinary healthcare workers in the Netherlands.

Veterinary healthcare workers are in close contact with many different animals and might be at an increased risk of acquiring Clostridioides difficile. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the prevalence and risk factors of C. difficile carriage in Dutch veterinary healthcare workers. Participants provided a faecal sample and filled out a questionnaire covering potential risk factors for C. difficile carriage. C. difficile culture positive isolates were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotyped and the presence of toxin genes tcdA, tcdB and cdtA/cdtB was determined. Eleven of 482 [2.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-4.0] veterinary healthcare workers were carriers of C. difficile. Three persons carried C. difficile ribotype 078 (0.6%; 95% CI 0.2-1.8). Risk factors for carriage were health/medication and hygiene related, including poor hand hygiene after patient (animal) contact, and did not include occupational contact with certain animal species. In conclusion, the prevalence of C. difficile carriage in veterinary healthcare workers was low and no indications were found that working in veterinary care is a risk for C. difficile carriage.

Allergic and irritant-induced occupational contact dermatitis differential work-specific prevalences

Allergic and irritant-induced occupational contact dermatitis differential work-specific prevalences

Nickel dust-induced occupational contact dermatitis by welding and grinding work in shipyard workers: a report of nine cases

BackgroundOccupational skin diseases are skin conditions that occur or worsen in relation to work and known to be the second most common type of occupational disease affecting individuals in the United States. In Korea, epidemiological reports related to occupational skin diseases are rare. But, no cases of occupational contact dermatitis caused by welding and grinding work have been reported previously.Case presentationNine male workers working in the production department for liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships in Ulsan complained of erythematous papules/patches and itching in various areas of the body after welding and grinding work. The work environment monitoring report revealed that the amount of nickel dust exceeded the time weighted average (TWA) and poor local ventilation status. Based on the symptoms and the overall results of surveys, several tests, and work environment monitoring report, the 2 workers who had positive patch-test reactions to nickel were diagnosed with nickel dust-induced allergic contact dermatitis. The other 7 workers were diagnosed that there was a high probability that they had nickel dust-induced irritant contact dermatitis. The 2 workers who had nickel dust-induced allergic contact dermatitis were recommended to switch their jobs.ConclusionsNickel is one of the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. In this case, the dust was assumed to be created by welding work with a high nickel content new welding rod and subsequent grinding work, and the concentration of this dust exceeded the time weighted average. Thus, it is thought that the nickel dust may have caused contact dermatitis through continuous contact with the workers' exposed skin in a poorly ventilated space. Currently, several domestic shipbuilding companies are manufacturing LNG tankers using a new construction method. Consequently, it is highly likely that similar cases will occur in the future, which makes this case report meaningful.

Ayurvedic management of recurrent pesticide-induced bilateral palmar contact dermatitis: A case report

Allergic responses are found a major reason for occupational contact dermatitis and have a prevalence of 30% of reported cases. Those exposed to pesticide spraying have been more prevalent of being affected with occupational contact dermatitis. A 46-year-old female, working in agriculture fields, presented to the hospital with chief complaints of intense fissuring, painful cuts, scaly, and itchy lesions affected over the palms of both hands and sides of fingers for the four months. She frequently come across the pesticides while mixing them, spraying on crops, sowing pesticide-preserved seeds, and harvesting previously treated crops that recurred every season mainly during the rainy season. The present case of palmar dermatitis was treated with the principles of Gara visha chikitsa. The major symptoms such as Kandu (~itching), Twak paka (~inflammation), Vedana (~pain), Sphutana (~cracking of skin), and Rukshata (~roughness) were reduced within 20 days of treatment; major lesions healed within one month of treatment. After 90 days, lesions were completely healed, and no fresh symptoms were noticed even during the follow-up period of one month. The present observation and approach endorse a step toward the practice of Ayurvedic intervention in pesticide-induced hand dermatitis.