Career counsellors and occupational contact dermatitis

Career counsellors are in a unique position to provide timely preventive advice to young people at risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis. Career counsellors need to be aware of risk factors for this condition, including atopic eczema, and of high-risk occupations, such as hairdressing. A cross-sectional survey of 82 career counsellors was conducted at an Australian career counsellors' conference. 24 (29%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 19-40%) correctly identified eczema as a risk factor. 25 (30%, 95% CI 21-41%) indicated consideration of past skin problems during career counselling. 30 (36%, 95% CI 25-47%) correctly reported at least 1 high-risk occupation, with hairdressing being most frequently identified. Only 3 of the 82 (4%, 95% CI 0-7%) correctly answered all 3 questions.