Occupational dermatoses in South Carolina: a descriptive analysis of cost variables

The problem of occupationally related skin disease was examined by reviewing the files of all closed cases (n = 958) of skin disease processed by the South Carolina Industrial Commission for the fiscal year (FY) of July 1, 1978, through June 30, 1979. From this population, a subset (134) was queried to obtain further personal information for an analysis of cost variables. The key findings were: (1) 82% of the sampled population were atopic; assuming a 25% frequency of atopy in the general population, the relative odds of developing occupational skin disease are 13.5 times greater if one is atopic; significant association existed between increased days lost and a history of atopy. (2) Significant associations existed between higher cost items and delayed time to see physicians, history of having a preexisting rash, and younger age.