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Hand eczema in Finnish farmers. A questionnaire-based clinical study
P Susitaival1, L Husman, A Hollmén
1Regional Institute of Occupational Health, Kuopio, Finland.
Contact Dermatitis
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Cow allergy is common in Finnish farmers with hand eczema. Both immediate and delayed allergy testing for cows are recommended for accurate diagnosis of occupational skin disease.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Occupational Medicine
- Allergology
Background:
- Hand and forearm dermatoses are prevalent among farmers.
- Occupational factors are often implicated in the etiology of these skin conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hand dermatoses in Finnish farmers.
- To identify potential allergens, specifically cow-related allergies, contributing to these conditions.
- To evaluate diagnostic methods for cow allergy in this population.
Main Methods:
- A population of 2005 Finnish farmers completed a questionnaire on skin conditions.
- Clinical examinations were performed on 138 farmers reporting symptoms.
- Skin prick tests (SPTs) and patch tests (PTs) were conducted to assess allergies.
Main Results:
- 8.6% of farmers reported hand or forearm dermatoses, with 93% being eczema.
- 70% of dermatoses were considered work-related.
- Cow allergy was identified in 39% of tested farmers, with both immediate (epithelium) and delayed (dander) reactions observed.
Conclusions:
- Cow allergy is a significant factor in occupational hand eczema among Finnish farmers.
- Both immediate (using SPTs with cow epithelium) and delayed (using PTs with fresh cow dander) allergy testing are crucial for comprehensive diagnosis.
- Readings for both immediate and delayed responses are necessary for accurate assessment.