Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Published on: September 26, 2022
Changing frequency of thiuram allergy in healthcare workers with hand dermatitis
K L Gibbon1, J P McFadden, R J Rycroft
1Department of Dermatology, Whipps Cross Hospital, London E11 1NR, UK. kgibbon@doctors.org.uk
Background:
Healthcare workers (clinical, allied/paramedical professions and ancillary workers) may have prolonged contact with natural rubber latex devices, particularly in the form of natural rubber latex gloves.
Objectives:
To examine the changing frequency of type IV thiuram allergy in healthcare workers with hand dermatitis over a 16-year period.
Methods:
During the study period, 450 healthcare workers (352 women and 98 men) with hand dermatitis were investigated, and their patch test results were analysed retrospectively.
Results:
On average, a thiuram-positive patch test was noted in 12% of individuals, with a peak incidence of 27% of the patients patch tested in 1994. Comparison of results between 1983--88 and 1989--93 showed a statistically significant increase in the incidence of thiuram-positive patch tests (odds ratio 2.55, 95% confidence interval 1.25--5.20, P = 0.01).
Conclusions:
We have documented a changing frequency of thiuram-positive patch tests in healthcare workers with hand dermatitis since 1983. This may reflect changes in degree of exposure to thiurams in medical gloves during this period.
Related Concept Videos
Allergic Reactions
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions

