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Self-reported hand dermatitis in California veterinarians
P Susitaival1, J Kirk, M B Schenker
1Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Kuopio, Finland.
Summary
Veterinarians frequently experience skin conditions, often due to allergies to animals. This study highlights the prevalence of dermatoses and associated risk factors in veterinary professionals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Veterinarians face occupational exposure to allergens, dirt, and chemicals.
- Limited epidemiologic data exists on dermatoses affecting veterinarians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of skin diseases in veterinary professionals.
- To identify common causes and risk factors for dermatoses in the veterinary workforce.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was distributed to a sample of California veterinarians.
- A response rate of 73% (n=1,416) was achieved, providing data on dermatoses and related factors.
Main Results:
- 46% of veterinarians reported career dermatoses, with 22% of women and 10% of men experiencing hand/forearm dermatitis.
- Animal-related skin symptoms affected nearly 1 in 5 veterinarians, often triggered by immediate allergy to a single species.
- Risk factors for hand/forearm dermatitis included history of skin atopy, childhood hand dermatitis, respiratory atopy, and female sex.
Conclusions:
- Skin symptoms are common among veterinarians.
- Immediate allergies to one or a few animal species are frequent causes of these dermatoses.