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Prevalence of hand dermatitis in different occupations
H A Smit1, A Burdorf, P J Coenraads
1National Institute of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
International Journal of Epidemiology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Nurses have a significantly higher prevalence of hand dermatitis compared to the general population, likely due to frequent hand washing. Manual workers in certain industries also show elevated risks.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hand dermatitis is a common skin condition.
- Occupational exposures can influence the prevalence of hand dermatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of hand dermatitis in various occupational groups.
- To compare occupational prevalence with the general population.
Main Methods:
- Standardized questionnaires were used in surveys.
- Included workers from chemical, electricity, and public works companies, nurses, surgical assistants, and a general population sample.
Main Results:
- General population prevalence: 5.2% (men), 10.6% (women).
- Occupational prevalence ranged from 2.9% (office workers) to ~30% (nurses).
- Nurses showed significantly elevated age-adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) (9.3 for men, 2.2 for women).
- Male manual workers in chemical, electricity, and public works also had elevated PRs (2.4-2.8).
Conclusions:
- Frequent hand washing in nursing may be more detrimental than intensive exposure in surgical assistants.
- Irritant exposure and mechanical stress contribute to hand dermatitis in manual laborers.