Occupational contact dermatitis in painters and varnishers: Data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2000 to 2019

Abstract

Introduction Painters and varnishers (“painters”) are exposed to various contact allergens and skin irritants, and therefore, are at risk for developing occupational dermatitis (OD). Objective To describe the spectrum of occupational sensitizations in painters and revise the corresponding current patch test recommendations. Patients and Methods Retrospective analysis of Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) data from 2000 to 2019 with focus on male painters with OD, ages 20‐59 years (n = 557) in comparison to age‐matched male painters without OD (n = 422) and male OD patients who have had never worked as painters (n = 13 862). Results Male painters with OD have a significantly higher rate of allergic contact dermatitis and face dermatitis than male patients with OD who work in other professions. Positive patch tests to epoxy resin, methylisothiazolinone (MI), and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/MI were significantly more frequent in painters with OD than in the other groups. Epoxy resin sensitization was significantly associated with face dermatitis. Conclusions Epoxy resin, MI, and MCI/MI represent the most important occupational sensitizers in painters. In addition to baseline, resins and glues, and industrial biocides series, the patients' own workplace materials should be tested in painters with suspected OD.

The sesquiterpene lactone mix: A review of past, present and future aspects

“…as an addition to the European baseline series despite rare cases of sensitisation to this mix in earlier reports. 40,95,96 In conclusion, the SL mix remains a safe and reliable patch test preparation with a relatively high number of relevant reactions. It has been included in the routine screening almost worldwide, and in the majority of studies, especially in Europe and North America, the prevalence of positive reactions was high enough to maintain inclusion in the baseline series.…”

Occupational contact allergy: The European perspective–Analysis of patch test data from ESSCA between 2011 and 2020

“…MCI/MI and MI exposure in painters and cleaners occurs via preserved water‐based wall paints and cleaning products, respectively 57,59,60 . Market gardeners and crop growers might be exposed to MCI/MI‐ and MI‐treated plants, fruits and vegetables used to reduce food‐borne illnesses as well as microbial spoilage 61,62 .…”

“…24 MCI/MI and MI exposure in painters and cleaners occurs via preserved water-based wall paints and cleaning products, respectively. 57,59,60 Market gardeners and crop growers might be exposed to MCI/MI-and MI-treated plants, fruits and vegetables used to reduce food-borne illnesses as well as microbial spoilage. 61,62 Occupational exposure of building finishers and related trades (roofer, floor layer and tile setters, plasterers, insulation workers, glaziers, plumbers and tile fitters, building and related electricians), might be related to occupational exposure to products like paints, adhesives, wall and joint mortars and cleansers which may contain isothiazolinones as preservatives.…”

2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA): A clinical review of contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis—Part 1. Introduction, epidemiology, case series and case reports

“…Low rates of HEMA positives were observed in painters with occupational dermatitis (1%), 65 patients with reactions to medical adhesives (2.7%), 66 consecutive cemented arthroplasty-bearing patients suspected of having allergic reactions to the implant materials (0.4%), 67 and patients with dental prostheses (0.6%). 73 The highest score (64%) was found in a study from Finland; selection of patients with positive patch tests to one or more (meth)acrylates understandably led to this result.…”