Self-reported hand eczema among dental workers in Japan - a cross-sectional study

• Published in: Contact dermatitis 2016-10, Vol.75 (4), p.230-239
• Main Authors: Minamoto, Keiko, Watanabe, Takeshi, Diepgen, Thomas L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; alcohol-based hand rub disinfectant; Allergens - adverse effects; Allergies; atopic dermatitis; Confidence intervals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Auxiliaries - statistics & numerical data; dental workers; Dentists - statistics & numerical data; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - diagnosis; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - epidemiology; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - etiology; Dermatitis, Occupational - epidemiology; Eczema; Eczema - epidemiology; epidemiology; Female; Hand Dermatoses - epidemiology; hand eczema; hand washing; Humans; Japan - epidemiology; Male; Methacrylates - adverse effects; Middle Aged; occupational contact dermatitis; Patch Tests; Phenylenediamines - adverse effects; Prevalence; Self Report; Surveys and Questionnaires; Thiram - adverse effects; wet work; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0105-1873; 1600-0536
• DOI: 10.1111/cod.12656

Summary Background Dental workers are considered to have a high risk of developing occupational hand eczema. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of work‐related hand eczema and associated risk factors in dental workers in Japan. Methods A self‐administered questionnaire was sent by mail to all dental clinics of Kumamoto City, Japan. In addition, patch testing with 24 dentistry‐related allergens was offered. Results In total, 46.4% of dental workers (n = 528: response 31.4%, based on 97 clinics) reported a lifetime history of chronic hand eczema. The 1‐year prevalence was 36.2%. According to logistic regression analysis, the most important risk factors for the 1‐year prevalence were a personal history of atopic dermatitis [odds ratio (OR) 4.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.2–8.8], asthma and/or allergic rhinitis (OR 2.0, 95%CI: 1.3–3.0), dry skin (OR 1.7, 95%CI: 1.1–2.7), shorter duration of work (OR 2.0, 95%CI: 1.2–3.5 for up to 10 years versus >20 years), and washing hands >10 times per day (OR 1.6, 95%CI: 1.0–2.5). Fifty‐four workers were patch tested. Rubber chemicals and acrylates were the most frequent occupationally relevant contact allergens. Conclusions Dental workers in Japan have a high prevalence of hand eczema. Health education to prevent hand eczema and more frequent patch testing are needed.