Hand eczema in hairdressers and nurses: a prospective study I.

Abstract

A prospective study of the development of hand eczema was initiated in 86 junior hairdressers and 217 junior nurses. Data obtained at the start of their apprenticeships are presented. None of the junior apprentices presented with hand eczema, but a history of hand eczema was reported by 22/303 (7%) of the students. Almost half of this group (10/22, 45%) could be classified as atopics. Students without a history of hand eczema showed a similar frequency of atopy (17%) as observed in the general population. History of hand eczema was not related to nickel hypersensitivity, as assessed by patch testing. The incidence of nickel hypersensitivity was high in junior hairdressers (26%), compared to junior nurses (12%). Information as to previous contacts with nickel suggested that development of nickel allergy had been promoted by ear-piercing. A lower incidence of nickel hypersensitivity was observed if this potentially sensitizing event had been proceeded by orthodontic treatment with nickel-containing materials. This phenomenon is discussed in terms of orally-induced tolerance.

Hairdressers presenting to an occupational dermatology clinic in Melbourne, Australia

“…The role of nickel as an occupational allergen in hairdressing is a controversial area in contact dermatitis. It has been reported that up to 27% of hairdressers have evidence of nickel sensitivity before significant exposure in the trade (11, 39), which has been attributed to ear piercing and nickel‐plated costume jewellery. No correlation has been found between nickel sensitivity at the onset of apprenticeship and the development of hand eczema after 8 years of follow‐up (4).…”

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from drugs in healthcare workers

“…There are many causes of occupational skin disease in healthcare workers, the prevalence having been suggested to be about 30% (36). 90% of such dermatoses are localized on the hands and one may assume that various factors favor the development of hand dermatitis (37). The evolution of occupational contact dermatitis is determined by a combination of endogenous and exogenous factors.…”

Incidence and prevalence of occupational contact dermatitis in hairdressing apprentices: A 3‐year prospective cohort study

“…There was also a study where patch testing was performed on Dutch HAs who had just enrolled in hairdressing school, which showed that very few students had positive reactions to most contact allergens (1.1% positive for fragrance mixture, 1.1% on PPD and 2.3% on thioglycolic acid) with the exception of nickel (25.6% positive) 34 . From the above‐stated, it can be concluded that a large number of Dutch HAs had already been sensitized to nickel earlier, which seems not to be the case with our apprentices (only one apprentice with a positive patch reaction to nickel—1.6%).…”