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Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from tetrazepam in nurses
Kim Vander Hulst1, Stefan Kerre, An Goossens
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, K.U.Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Contact Dermatitis
|June 12, 2010
Summary
Nurses can develop allergic skin reactions like dermatitis from handling tetrazepam tablets. Patch testing identified tetrazepam as a cause of occupational airborne and hand contact dermatitis in healthcare workers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Occupational Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tetrazepam is a benzodiazepine muscle relaxant.
- Drug eruptions are known side effects of tetrazepam ingestion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate occupational airborne and hand dermatitis in nurses.
- To identify the cause of dermatitis related to crushing tetrazepam tablets for patients.
Main Methods:
- 16 nurses with suspected occupational dermatitis were patch tested.
- Testing involved medications handled by nurses during work.
Main Results:
- 10 nurses showed positive patch test reactions to tetrazepam tablets.
- 14 control subjects tested negative for tetrazepam.
- Some nurses also reacted to other medications.
Conclusions:
- Occupational dermatitis from tetrazepam may be more prevalent than recognized.
- Healthcare professionals should consider tetrazepam in cases of airborne or hand contact dermatitis.
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