Prevalence, pattern, contact sensitisers and impact on quality-of-life of occupational dermatitis among beekeepers in North India.

Background: Beekeepers face specific occupational health risks due to exposure to bee products and chemicals. Propolis is a notable cause of contact hypersensitivity in beekeepers. Its chemical composition varies by region, complicating allergy investigations. While propolis allergies are documented in Western populations, no studies exist in India.

Aim: To assess the prevalence and patterns of dermatitis among beekeepers, identify contact sensitisers and evaluate its impact on quality-of-life (QoL).

Methods: An 18-month community-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 340 beekeepers from the Kashmir Valley in North India. Data collection included personal interviews, dermatological examinations and patch testing using self-made antigens of propolis, beeswax, royal jelly and standardised Baseline Indian Standard Series. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to measure the impact of dermatitis on QoL.

Results: Dermatitis prevalence among beekeepers was 17.1%, with the majority presenting with hand eczema. Onset or worsening of dermatitis was reported by 77.6% after working in apiaries. Significant associations were found with duration of beekeeping (p < 0.05) and a history of atopy (p < 0.001). Patch testing revealed 27.5% of beekeepers with positive reactions, primarily to propolis (10% in pet). The mean DLQI score was 3.5, indicating a generally small impact on QoL.

Conclusion: Dermatitis was a common occupational condition among beekeepers, strongly associated with the duration of beekeeping and a history of atopy, though its overall impact on QoL was limited. Propolis emerged as a primary sensitiser in the study population.