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Occupational contact dermatitis in nurses with hand eczema
1Department of Dermatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK.
Contact Dermatitis
|April 12, 2001
Summary
Nurses frequently develop occupational dermatitis due to allergens and irritants. Natural rubber latex allergy is a significant concern, necessitating testing for both delayed and immediate hypersensitivity in at-risk nurses.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Occupational Health
- Allergology
Background:
- Occupational dermatitis is prevalent among nurses exposed to diverse irritants and allergens.
- Hand dermatitis is a common presentation in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of occupational dermatitis in nurses.
- To identify specific allergens, particularly natural rubber latex, contributing to contact dermatitis.
- To assess the prevalence of both delayed and immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 44 nurses diagnosed with hand dermatitis.
- Categorization of dermatitis types: allergic contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and pompholyx.
- Patch testing and assessment for immediate-type hypersensitivity.
Main Results:
- 18 cases of allergic contact dermatitis, 15 of irritant dermatitis.
- Occupational causes identified in 10 irritant and 8 allergic cases.
- Natural rubber latex and rubber chemicals were implicated in 6 allergic cases; 2 showed immediate hypersensitivity to latex.
Conclusions:
- Natural rubber latex allergy, encompassing both delayed and immediate reactions, poses a significant occupational risk for nurses.
- Comprehensive testing for hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex is recommended for at-risk nursing staff.