Occupational hand dermatoses in hospital cleaning personnel

Hospital cleaning personnel were examined for occupational dermatoses. 356 persons were included in the study. The age ranged from 20 to 63 years with a mean of 40.1 years. The period prevalence rate of moderate and severe eczema was 12% (10% in men and 19% in women). In 88%, the eczema was of a duration longer than 2 years. Positive patch tests were found in 10% of men and 53% of women with eczema. The main allergens were nickel, cobalt, chromate and rubber chemicals. Positive tests to cleaning agents were rare. One case of contact allergy to sodium dichloro-iso-cyanurate and one to lysol were diagnosed. Irritant factors played a major rôle in most cases (92%). Fungus infection as a cause or complication in hand eczema should not be left out of consideration: in 2 persons, a mycosis of hands and/or fingernails was diagnosed.