Self‐reported hand eczema in a hospital population

Abstract

Occupational skin diseases are frequent in the healthcare sector. The objective of this study was to obtain baseline data on hand eczema and risk factors for hand eczema in an unselected hospital population. A questionnaire study on hand eczema and risk factors for hand eczema was performed among hospital employees at a middle-size Danish hospital. A total of 1909 employees from all job groups and all departments were included. Response rate was 65.3%. The overall frequency of self-reported hand eczema within the past 12 months was 23%. Divided into job groups, the frequencies varied from 8% to 32% and were significantly higher among assistant nurses (32%), nurses (30%), and nursing aids (27%). For the individual departments, the hand eczema frequencies varied from 7% to 50%, with the highest frequencies reported at medical and surgical wards. Occupational risk factors for hand eczema such as use of protective gloves and hand washing were significantly more frequent among respondents with hand eczema within the past year, which suggests a potential for prevention through workplace interventions. In conclusion, high frequencies of hand eczema were observed among assistant nurses, nurses, and nursing aids. Hand eczema was more frequent among women and in the younger age groups.

The Prevalence of Hand Dermatitis in Nurses: A Narrative Review Highlighting the Importance of Prevention

“…According to the literature, the prevalence of HD in nurses varies considerably around the world, with reports of 17.7% in mainland China [6], 20% in the United Kingdom [1], 22.1% in Hong Kong [7], 30% in Denmark [8], 31% in the Netherlands [9], 31% in South Korea [10], 40% in Germany [3], 46% in Poland [11], 50% in Australia [12], 53.3% in Japan [13] and 55% in the United States [14]. It also varies according to the way HD is detected (self-reported, appearance of symptoms or clinical observation, or formal diagnosis by a clinician).…”

Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of metalworking fluid exposure and dermatitis among rifle barrel manufacturing employees.

“…Exposed areas of the skin, such as hands and forearms, have the greatest contact with irritants or allergens and are most commonly affected. Over 80% of occupational contact dermatitis involves the hands [Belsito 2005;Flyvholm et al 2007;Warshaw et al 2003]. If the agent gets on clothing, it can bring on dermatitis at areas of greatest contact, such as thighs, upper back, armpits, and feet.…”

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-2007-0261-3122, evaluation of contact dermatitis among ink ribbon manufacturing employees - New York.

“…Over 80% of occupational contact dermatitis involves the hands. [Warshaw et al 2003;Flyvholm et al 2007]. If the agent gets on clothing, it can bring on dermatitis at areas of greatest contact, such as thighs, upper back, armpits, and feet.…”