Mysterious slapped face rash at holiday centre

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Environmental Health
• Public Health

Background:

• An outbreak of facial rash affected holiday-makers at a centre in South West England.
• The rash presented a significant public health concern within the accommodation setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the etiology of the facial rash outbreak.
• To identify the source of the irritant causing the widespread skin reactions.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to 98 affected holiday-makers.
• Analysis of linen samples and intervention involving replacement of bed linen were conducted.
• The study setting was a holiday centre in South West England.

Main Results:

• Facial rash attack rates varied across accommodation areas, with one area reporting zero cases.
• The pH of rinse water from sheets ranged from 7.4 to 9.0.
• Accommodation areas provided with new linen exhibited zero attack rates, correlating with the absence of rash.

Conclusions:

• The facial rash was attributed to irritant effects from residual washing powder due to inadequate rinsing in the laundry process.
• Modifications to the laundering rinsing procedures resulted in the resolution of the rash outbreak.
• This highlights the importance of proper laundering techniques in preventing irritant contact dermatitis in communal living environments.