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Occupational hand dermatitis in hospital environments

L Stingeni¹, V Lapomarda, P Lisi

¹Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, University of Perugia, Policlinico Monteluce, Italy.

Contact Dermatitis

|September 1, 1995

Summary

Healthcare workers face significant skin disease risk. This study found 21.2% experienced contact dermatitis, often irritant, linked to disinfectants and gloves, particularly in women and nurses.

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Area of Science:

Occupational Dermatology
Public Health
Epidemiology

Background:

Healthcare personnel are at high risk for occupational skin diseases.
Contact dermatitis is a prevalent concern in hospital environments.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of contact dermatitis among hospital employees.
To identify risk factors and common allergens/irritants associated with hand dermatitis in this population.

Main Methods:

A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 1301 hospital employees.
Clinical examinations and skin tests (patch/prick) were performed on subjects with reported hand dermatitis or atopic reactions.

Main Results:

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Contact dermatitis affected 21.2% of employees, significantly more common in women, younger workers (<31 years), and specific roles (cleaners, nurses).

Most cases (94.9%) were irritant contact dermatitis, primarily caused by disinfectants (chlorhexidine gluconate, glutaraldehyde) and gloves (latex, glove powder).

Atopy appeared to be a contributing factor to the development of hand dermatitis.

Conclusions:

Contact dermatitis is a significant occupational health issue for hospital staff.
Preventive strategies should focus on reducing exposure to irritants like disinfectants and specific glove types.
Further research into the role of atopy and improved protective measures is warranted.