Occupational skin diseases in nurses.

Objectives: The aim of the work was to evaluate the incidence of occupational skin diseases in nurses, their morbidity rate, symptoms, possible causes and relation with occupational environment.

Materials And Methods: The study group consisted of 706 nurses of different hospital departments. A questionnaire and collection of information about the use of disinfectants were the main investigation methods.

Results: It was revealed that 47.3% nurses were suffering from occupational skin diseases. Allergic contact dermatitis was found to be the most frequent (28.5%) disease. Irritant contact dermatitis of non-allergic origin was diagnosed in 8.4% of nurses. The main symptoms of occupational skin diseases were itching and reddening.

Conclusion: The risk of developing occupational dermatitis was increased by working with aldehydes and hydrogen peroxide as well as by using latex gloves and long working hours.