Textile allergy--the Melbourne experience.

Background: Textile allergy is a well-established entity, but there are relatively few Australian reports in this area.

Objectives: To report the combined experience of textile contact dermatitis from the general and occupational contact dermatitis clinics at the Skin and Cancer Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Patients/methods: On the basis of the clinical suspicion of textile allergy, 2069 patients were tested with a textile series.

The additive value of patch testing with patients' own products at an occupational dermatology clinic.

Background And Objectives: Patch testing with commercially available kits detects only 70-80% of relevant allergens in patients with contact dermatitis. This is not ideal, especially when occupational issues are being evaluated. This study analyses our data regarding reactions to patients' own products.

Allergic contact dermatitis from methyldibromo glutaronitrile in a sanitary pad and review of Australian clinic data.

Methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN) has rarely been reported as an allergen in adhesives but is recognized as a common allergen in skin care products in Europe. It has been banned for use in leave-on products by the European Union. In this study, we present a case with an unusual source of this common allergen and review all cases of allergy to MDBGN from our clinics over a 12-year period.

Prevalence of atopy in a population of hairdressing students and practising hairdressers in Melbourne, Australia.

Hairdressers are one of the largest groups affected by occupational contact dermatitis. In this population-based study, 193 trainee hairdressers and 184 practising hairdressers each completed a questionnaire and had their hands examined. Participants were asked about past or present atopy including eczema, asthma or hayfever, which occurred in 59.

Knowledge of skin hazards and the use of gloves by Australian hairdressing students and practising hairdressers.

Occupational contact dermatitis is common amongst hairdressers. In this population-based study, 193 trainee hairdressers and 184 practising hairdressers completed a questionnaire detailing their knowledge of skin hazards, the skills they practised and the frequency of glove use. Knowledge of skin hazards was poor in both groups.

Incidence and prevalence rates for occupational contact dermatitis in an Australian suburban area.

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) regularly causes high levels of worker morbidity; however, this is often not reflected in available statistics. This study aimed to collect and verify OCD reports/referrals and generate disease estimates for a defined geographical area in Melbourne, Australia. Two methods of data collection were used.

Occupational dermatoses.

Background: Occupational contact dermatitis is a common condition often assumed to be 'part of the job'.

Objective: This article explores common causes of occupational contact dermatitis and details high risk occupations utilising local data. Tips for improved understanding and management of occupational contact dermatitis are also presented.

Foot dermatitis caused by the textile dye Basic Red 46 in acrylic blend socks.

17 male subjects are described with foot dermatitis in association with positive patch test reactions to the textile dye Basic Red 46. Chromatographic analysis of the socks of 2 affected patients confirmed the presence of Basic Red 46. Withdrawal of the acrylic blend socks suspected of having been dyed with Basic Red 46 resulted in the improvement of symptoms in 12 of 17 patients (70.