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Updated: Nov 11, 2025
A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
Published on: March 24, 2023
Occupational contact dermatitis: Retrospective analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group Data, 2001 to 2016
Joel G DeKoven1, Benjamin M DeKoven1, Erin M Warshaw2
1Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Patch testing is an important diagnostic tool for suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in occupational settings.
Objective:
Provide an overview of occupational skin disease (OSD) and an analysis of occupational ACD in North American patients undergoing patch testing between 2001and 2016.
Methods:
Patients with OSD were analyzed for frequency of allergic reactions to a screening series of allergens, occupational relevance, location of skin disease, and exposure sources. Demographic, occupation, and industry information were recorded.
Results:
Of 38,614 patients evaluated, 4471 (11.6%) had OSD, of whom 3150 (70.5%) had ACD. The most common occupationally related allergens included rubber accelerators, preservatives, and bisphenol A epoxy resin. Hands (75.8%), arms (30.0%), and face (15.9%) were common sites of dermatitis. The occupations most affected were service workers and machine operators.
Limitations:
Our cohort may not reflect the general working population.
Conclusion:
This study identified common occupational allergens, exposure sources, and occupations/industries at risk. This information may help the clinician evaluate and manage patients with occupational contact dermatitis.
