[Dyshidrosis as a pacemaker for occupational dermatoses]

Out of 335 persons of less than 25 years, 236 had an intermittent dyshidrosis; half of them showed an allergic contact eczema of the hands. Microscopical and cultural investigations revealed a foot mycosis in 24 persons, and in 13 a candidiasis of the hands. Hence, dyshidrosis is obviously not of mycotic origin. 113 out of 150 sensitized persons of this group of age were dyshidrotics; 50% of them had not yet finished their apprenticeship. Obviously, dyshidrosis favours an early sensitization in professions in which allergens are frequently encountered.