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Hand eczema in car mechanics
B Meding1, L Barregård, K Marcus
1Department of Occupational Dermatology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Solna, Sweden.
Contact Dermatitis
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Car mechanics have a high risk of hand eczema, with 15% reporting it in the past year. Irritant contact dermatitis was most common, followed by allergic contact dermatitis, indicating a need for preventative measures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Dermatology
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hand eczema is a common occupational skin disease.
- Car mechanics are frequently exposed to irritants and allergens.
- Prevalence and specific causes in this profession require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of hand eczema among male car mechanics.
- To identify the types and causes of contact dermatitis in this occupational group.
- To assess the role of irritant and allergic factors.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 901 male car mechanics, with 801 responding.
- Participants reporting hand eczema underwent clinical examination and patch testing.
- Standard and specialized 'car mechanics' series patch tests were used.
Main Results:
- 15% of respondents reported hand eczema in the past 12 months; 57% had dry skin.
- Irritant contact dermatitis (55%) and allergic contact dermatitis (19%) were the primary diagnoses.
- Positive patch test reactions occurred in 33% of tested individuals, with thimerosal, nickel, and colophony being common allergens.
Conclusions:
- Car mechanics are at significant risk for developing both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.
- Nickel allergy may be linked to the use of nickel-plated tools.
- Further research and preventative strategies are warranted for this high-risk group.