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[Raynaud's phenomenon and cutaneous changes due to hand-arm vibration]
C Nagata1, H Yoshida, M S Mirbod
1Department of Hygiene, Gifu University School of Medicine.
Sangyo Igaku. Japanese Journal of Industrial Health
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Hand-held tool vibration can cause Raynaud's phenomenon, a key sign of vibration syndrome. This study found no direct link between vibration exposure duration and specific skin changes in chain-saw workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
- Vascular Medicine
Context:
- Hand-held tools generate vibrations linked to vibration syndrome.
- Raynaud's phenomenon is a primary indicator of vibration syndrome.
- Forestry workers using chain-saws are at risk of occupational exposure.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between Raynaud's phenomenon and specific cutaneous changes.
- To assess the impact of vibration exposure duration on these skin alterations.
- To analyze the prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon and associated symptoms in chain-saw workers.
Summary:
- A study of 124 chain-saw workers (ages 40-59) examined Raynaud's phenomenon and skin/nail changes.
- Prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon increased with age and longer exposure, particularly in those in their fifties.
- Despite higher rates of sclerodactylia and nailfold changes in older workers, no direct correlation was found between vibration exposure duration and these cutaneous manifestations, nor between symptoms and Raynaud's phenomenon presence.
Impact:
- Highlights the prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon in vibration-exposed workers.
- Suggests age and cumulative exposure are factors in Raynaud's phenomenon development.
- Indicates that while Raynaud's phenomenon is present, specific cutaneous changes may not directly correlate with vibration duration in this cohort.