Background: Occupational contact dermatitis is frequent, and further understanding of the epidemiology will improve the basis of its prevention. Objectives. To identify occupations at risk for severe occupational contact dermatitis.
Methods: The last 1000 cases of severe occupational contact dermatitis seen at our department were identified.
Results: The study population comprised 618 females and 382 males. The mean age at onset of irritant contact dermatitis was significantly lower than the mean age at onset of allergic contact dermatitis for both sexes, irrespective of the presence of atopic dermatitis. Females at high risk were cooks, butchers, beauticians, bakers, and hairdressers, ranging from 23.3 to 96.8 cases per 10 000 workers per year. Males at high risk were painters, cooks, mechanics, locksmiths, and bakers, ranging from 16.5 to 32.3 cases per 10000 workers per year.
Conclusions: Occupational contact dermatitis remains frequent, even if only severe cases are considered. It is a concern that no effective, systematic interventions and prevention schemes have been launched in Europe, despite documentation of a significant problem over many years, and knowledge of risk occupations and risk factors. This study suggests new approaches for general and specific prevention of occupational contact dermatitis.
Background: There is a current fashion for the use of methacrylate-containing nail cosmetics that can induce allergic contact dermatitis. European Union (EU) legislation was introduced in 2021 that had the aim of preventing its development.
Objectives: To assess prevalence and exposures causing contact allergy to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) prior to and following implementation of the legislation.
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA) and Research Group Immunology, INFLA-MED Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Background: The European Photopatch Testing Baseline Series (EPTBS) was published in 2013. However, limited data exist regarding the real-world clinical application of the EPTBS.
Objectives: This study aims to describe the photopatch test experience with the EPTBS over 11 years at a tertiary hospital in Spain.
Patch testing reactions can be difficult to interpret in patients with skin of color (higher Fitzpatrick skin types [FSTs]) due to limited erythema or vesiculation. Missed reactions may lead to prolonged allergic contact dermatitis duration and prevent disease clearance in this population. To compare the frequency of borderline patch test reactions in patients with different FSTs (I, II, III, IV, V, VI).
