Prevalence and incidence of hand eczema in hairdressers—A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the published literature from 2000–2021

Abstract

Background Hairdressers are commonly affected by hand eczema (HE) due to skin hazardous exposure such as irritants and allergens in the work environment. Objective To give an overview of the current prevalence, incidence, and severity, as well as the pattern of debut and the contribution of atopic dermatitis on HE in hairdressers. Methods A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Studies published from 2000 to April 2021 that fulfilled predefined eligibility criteria were retrieved. Results A pooled lifetime prevalence of 38.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.6‐43.8), a pooled 1‐year prevalence of 20.3% (95% CI 18.0‐22.6), and a pooled point prevalence of 7.7% (95% CI 5.8‐9.6) of HE was observed in hairdressers. The lifetime prevalence in fully trained hairdressers and hairdressing apprentices was almost identical. The pooled incidence rate of HE was 51.8 cases/1000 person‐years (95% CI 42.6‐61.0) and the pooled prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 18.1% (95% CI 13.6‐22.5). Conclusion HE is common in hairdressers and most hairdressers have debut during apprenticeship. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in hairdressers is comparable with estimates in the general population, indicating that occupational exposures are the main factor in the increased prevalence of HE in hairdressers. This warrants a strategic and collective effort to prevent HE in hairdressers.

Bleaching powders, bleaching creams and other hair lightening preparations as sources for (airborne) allergic contact dermatitis and other health effects in hairdressers: Results of an empirical study

“…Due to work‐related skin damage, hairdressers are at significant risk of developing occupational skin disorders (OSD), with hand dermatitis (hand eczema, HE) being the most common OSD 6 . A current systematic review and meta‐analysis by Havmose et al found a pooled lifetime prevalence of 38.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.6%–43.8%), a pooled 1‐year prevalence of 20.3% (95% CI: 18.0%–22.6%) and a pooled point prevalence of 7.7% (95% CI: 5.8%–9.6%) of HE in hairdressers 7 . The course of HE is often chronic and entails personal suffering alongside socio‐economic consequences, 8,9 including high illness‐related costs and in the worst case a premature termination of career 10,11 …”

“…[CI]: 32.6%-43.8%), a pooled 1-year prevalence of 20.3% (95% CI: 18.0%-22.6%) and a pooled point prevalence of 7.7% (95% CI: 5.8%-9.6%) of HE in hairdressers. 7 The course of HE is often chronic and entails personal suffering alongside socio-economic consequences, 8,9 including high illness-related costs and in the worst case a premature termination of career. 10,11 In terms of adverse effects of bleaching agents, particularly persulfate salts, besides occupational allergic contact dermatitis on the directly exposed hands or lower arms, airborne allergic contact dermatitis may develop, for example, in the face and neck or other exposed regions.…”

Skin Toxicity of Selected Hair Cosmetic Ingredients: A Review Focusing on Hairdressers

“…Hand dermatitis (hand eczema, HE) is therefore the most frequent OSD [1,2]. A current systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature from 2000-2021 has shown that there is a pooled lifetime prevalence of 38.2% and a 1-year prevalence of 20.3% of HE in hairdressers [3]. Wet work and skin contact with irritants and allergens are the most crucial factors in the development of HE in this occupational area [4][5][6].…”

“…Within the framework of the project, "Promoting the autonomous implementation of the European framework agreement on occupational health and safety in the hairdressing sector", a series of systematic reviews has been performed, synthesizing evidence on several key hazardous substances [3,[15][16][17][18][19]. As further important, but less well-investigated ingredients of hair cosmetics, cysteamine hydrochloride (cysteamine HCl; CAS no.…”

Glove use as self‐reported reason for hand eczema among Danish hairdressers

“…Hairdressers have a high incidence of occupational hand eczema (OHE) 1 . The risk of OHE in hairdressers is associated with a high degree of occupational exposure to wet work and allergens in hair cosmetics.…”