[Persistance of epidermal sensitizations in occupational allergic contact eczemas (author's transl)]

Allergic contact eczemas occur in the region of Halle (DDR) in the chemical industry, in health services, in architecture, in the metal industry and in local logistics. In 732 cases of occupational eczemas, "para"-substances, chromates, plastic materials and adhesives, technical oils and fats, turpentine oil, dyestuffs and disinfectants were the principal noxious substances. Phenothiazine, synthetic resins and adhesives, nickel, turpentine oil, chromates, iodine, p-phenylendiamine, mercury compounds, etc. cause epidermal sensitizations that persist up to 10-12 years. Sensitized persons must strictly avoid these noxious substances, even in their para-professional shere; repeated tests should be abandoned because the epidermal sensitization might be "boosted".