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Occupational skin diseases among dental nurses
Kristiina Alanko1, Päivikki Susitaival, Riitta Jolanki
1Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. kristiina.alanko@ttl.fi
Contact Dermatitis
|May 7, 2004
Summary
Occupational skin disease (OSD) affects many dental nurses due to glove chemicals and dental materials. Low-protein gloves and avoiding (meth)acrylates are recommended to prevent allergies and dermatitis.
Area of Science:
- Occupational dermatology
- Dental hygiene
- Allergology
Background:
- Dental nurses face significant occupational hazards, particularly skin conditions.
- Previous statistics may underestimate the prevalence of occupational skin disease (OSD) in this group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and causes of OSD among female dental nurses in Helsinki.
- To identify specific allergens and risk factors contributing to OSD in this profession.
Main Methods:
- Computer-assisted telephone interviews with 799 dental nurses.
- Clinical examinations and allergy testing (prick and patch tests) for suspected OSD cases.
- Analysis of work history, symptoms, and exposure to workplace materials.
Main Results:
- 22 new cases of OSD were diagnosed among 107 examined nurses.
- Common allergens included rubber chemicals, natural rubber latex (NRL), and (meth)acrylates from dental materials.
- 42% of OSD cases were previously unreported in national statistics.
Conclusions:
- Natural rubber latex (NRL) and (meth)acrylates are significant causes of occupational allergies in dental nurses.
- Low-protein NRL gloves or plastic gloves are recommended.
- Minimizing skin exposure to (meth)acrylates is crucial for prevention.