Contact dermatitis in car repair workers

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is a common skin disorder with a poor prognosis.

The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the prevalence of CD among car repair workers, (2) study some risk factors associated with CD, and (3) conduct an intervention skin care education program.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 87 car repair workers with regular and direct exposure to chemicals at the industrial zone in Zagazig City, Egypt and 76 unexposed assembly booksellers. All workers were subjected to a questionnaire and clinical examination, and those who were diagnosed clinically as CD were patch tested. Intervention study with a skin care education program was carried out on 47 car repair workers. Re-evaluation of the intervention group after 5 months was done.

The total prevalence of CD among car repair workers (18.4%) was significantly higher compared with their controls (3.9%), with the highest prevalence among car mechanics (24.1%) and painters (20.7%); 16.1% of them reported recurrent dermatitis in the last 12 months. Nickel accounted for most positive patch test reactions (33.3%). A significant association was noticed between the prevalence of CD and age, smoking, atopic background and duration of work. After the intervention study, a significantly higher knowledge level about CD was reported.

The most important risk factors for OCD among the car repair workers are atopic background and long duration of work. Skin care education program is an important tool for prevention of CD and control of exposure to substances hazardous to the skin.