Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

A Standardized Acupotomy Protocol For The Treatment of Tenosynovitis of Hand Flexor Tendons In Human Patients
Published on: May 26, 2026
Hand and forearm dermatoses among veterinarians
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
Background:
Infectious and non-infectious hand and forearm dermatoses are frequent in daily veterinary medicine. In this specific occupation there is a serious impact of skin disease on the lives and careers of veterinarians.
Objective:
In this study we clarify the different occupational dermatoses on hands and forearms among veterinarians, using data collected in different dermatological patch-test expert centres in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Methods:
Instead of questioning veterinarians themselves, which has been done in different studies in the past, we contacted dermatologists in Belgium and the Netherlands, questioning them about their experiences with dermatoses among veterinarians.
Results:
Seven dermatologists described a total of 58 veterinarians. Infectious dermatoses were described in 12 cases (20.7%). The non-infectious dermatoses (46 cases, 79.3%) can be classified as contact urticaria and as irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.
Conclusion:
While irritant contact dermatitis accounts for the vast majority of hand and forearm dermatoses among veterinarians, contact urticaria and allergic contact dermatitis also significantly contribute to the occupational morbidity. Repeated hand washing, occlusion under rubber gloves, contact with animal protein fluids during obstetric procedures and contact with antiseptic agents, systemic and topical corticosteroids and antibiotics are the most likely causes of hand and forearm dermatoses among veterinarians.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Reticular Dermis
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
