Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Volume 23, Issue 2, Pages 110-119Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2018.1427307
Keywords
Dermatitis; urticaria; cleaners; transepidermal water loss; risk factors
Categories
Funding
- Health Research Council (HRC) of New Zealand
- WorkSafe New Zealand
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This study assessed the risk of dermatitis, urticaria and loss of skin barrier function in 425 cleaners and 281 reference workers (retail workers and bus drivers). Symptoms, atopy and skin barrier function were assessed by questionnaire, skin prick tests, and measurement of transepidermal water loss. Cleaners had an increased risk of current (past 3months) hand/arm dermatitis (14.8% vs. 10.0%; OR=1.9, p<0.05) and urticaria (11% vs. 5.3%; OR=2.4, p<0.05) and were more likely to have dermatitis as adults (17.6% vs. 11.4%; OR=1.8, p<0.05). The risk of atopy was not increased, but associations with symptoms were more pronounced in atopics. Transepidermal water loss was significantly higher in cleaners. Wet-work was a significant risk factor for dermatitis and hand washing and drying significantly reduced the risk of urticaria. In conclusion, cleaners have an increased risk of hand/arm dermatitis, urticaria and loss of skin barrier function.
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