Hand dermatitis in dental technicians

The incidence of hand dermatitis and contact allergies was analyzed among dental technicians. A survey was carried out by postal questionnaire. It was returned by 106 technicians (88%); 30 had had skin problems, and 20 (19%) had present eruptions. All 20 were invited to a detailed dermatological investigation, but only seven participated. Epicutaneous tests to prosthetic materials were negative in these patients. The hand eruptions in 4 patients appeared to be irritant. 4 other patients (4%), who had had previous hand dermatitis, had a history of positive patch test reactions to methyl methacrylate, but they had become symptomless and refused to participate in further studies.