In the 72 textile workers evaluated in our clinic, occupational exposures were an important cause of skin disease (74% in our series). Textile workers with job exposures to raw textile materials are at highest risk for work-related dermatitis. Textile industry workers with essentially no textile product exposure were more likely to have non-work-related dermatoses. ICD was only slightly more frequent than ACD. The hands were the most common site of involvement. Because relevant allergens (work-related and non-work-related) were more common than expected, we emphasize the importance of patch testing with standard screening allergens in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with dermatitis who work in the textile industry. In addition, textile dye and finish allergens should also be tested in this patient population, particularly those patients with any textile product exposure.
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