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Background: Occupational skin diseases (OSD) in the form of hand eczema (HE) are a common work-related disease. Illness perceptions as presented in Leventhal's Common-Sense Model (CSM) are important for patients' self-management of diseases. Understanding these illness perceptions is essential for patient communicating. No quantitative or qualitative studies which investigated subjective illness perceptions in patients with occupational HE utilized the CSM as theoretical framework. The Objective of this study is to investigate illness perceptions of patients with occupational hand eczema (HE) using the CSM. Methods: We applied an exploratory qualitative approach and conducted purposive sampling. Thirty-six patients with occupational HE were interviewed using an interview guide based on the dimensions of the CSM, including coherence and emotional representation. All participants participated in a three-week inpatient program at a clinic specialized on occupational dermatology. One interview had to be excluded before analysis, since one participant's diagnosis was retrospectively changed from ICD to tinea and hence did not match the inclusion criteria. Thirty-five interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed. Data was analyzed deductively and inductively using qualitative text analysis. MAXQDA 2018 (Verbi, Berlin, Germany), a software for qualitative data analysis, was applied for coding and summarizing of results. All dimensions of the CSM were explored for occupational HE. Results: Several sub-categories could be identified. Participants named a variety of causes in different areas (e. g. external irritants and other hazardous factors, psycho-social factors, allergies, having a 'bad immune system' or lifestyle). The great impact of the disease on the participants' life is shown by the wide range of consequences reported, affecting all areas of life (i. e. psychological, physical, occupational, private). Considering coherence, an ambivalence between comprehensibility and non-comprehensibility of the disease is apparent. Discussion: The complexity of illness perceptions presented in this paper is relevant for those involved in HE patient education and counseling, e. g, health educators, dermatologists, and, occupational physicians. Future research might further investigate specific aspects of illness perceptions in patients with occupational HE, especially considering the complexity of coherence and overlapping dimensions (i. e. emotional representation and psychological consequences). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Germany, a multistep approach has been established to prevent work‐related skin diseases (WRSDs). Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a secondary individual prevention program (SIP) in metalworkers with WRSD and to compare their characteristics with those of participants of a tertiary individual prevention program (TIP). Patients and Methods: In a prospective cohort study, metalworkers with WRSD of the hands participating either in the SIP (n = 114) or in the TIP (n = 83) were recruited. At baseline and at the respective follow‐up 8–12 weeks after the SIP or at dismissal from the TIP (3–4 weeks later), questionnaires were completed and the severity of WRSD was assessed. Saliva samples were collected for assessment of filaggrin (FLG) mutations and an explorative genome‐wide association study (GWAS). Results: Ninety‐three SIP patients (81.6%) attended the follow‐up. Disease severity was significantly reduced, and knowledge and protective behavior were significantly improved compared to baseline. Significant differences between SIP and TIP patients were found regarding duration and severity of symptoms, work absenteeism, tobacco smoking, and presence of atopic dermatitis, but not regarding FLG mutations and by GWAS. Conclusions: The SIP was effective in metalworkers with WRSDs. Individual factors may influence the course of the disease and the need for the TIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metal work apprentices (MWAs) frequently develop work‐related hand eczema (HE). Objectives: To evaluate the effect of health education on incidence of work‐related HE in MWAs and to assess confounding factors. Materials/methods: In a prospective controlled intervention study, 131 MWAs received educational training on prevention of HE, whereas 172 MWAs and 118 office work apprentices served as controls. At baseline and during three yearly follow‐ups, questionnaires were completed and hands were examined. Saliva samples were collected for assessment of filaggrin (FLG) null mutations and an explorative genome‐wide association study (GWAS), and levels of various cytokines were assessed from stratum corneum samples. Results: The 2‐year and 3‐year incidence of HE in the metalwork control group was 20.9% and 32.6%, respectively, which was significantly higher than in the intervention group (odds ratio [OR] 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31 to 5.28, P <.01 and OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.88 to 6.40, P <.0001). The knowledge score was higher in unaffected MWAs (P <.05). Other factors significantly associated with developing HE in MWAs were smoking cigarettes (P <.01) and FLG mutations (P <.001). No significant associations were found regarding epidermal cytokine levels and GWAS. Conclusions: Health education is effective in primary prevention of HE in MWAs. Individual factors should be considered in targeted counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A programme based on health education has been developed to prevent foot dermatoses (FD) in patients with work‐related skin diseases (WRSD). Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the programme in a prospective cohort study (OCCUPES). Methods: Six and 12 months after completing the programme, follow‐up questionnaires were sent to 231 patients with WRSD and FD. Assessments included occupational footwear and foot care, self‐reported disease course, and health‐related quality of life. Results: Response to follow‐ups was >70%. Wearing functional socks and changing footwear and socks during one work shift increased (all p < 0.001). Complaints about occupational footwear decreased, including sweating and exposure to moisture/wetness. More than 60% reported improved FD while quality of life significantly increased. After 12 months, all foot symptoms were less frequent, including itch (p = 0.009), pain when walking (p = 0.005), pain in rest (p = 0.015) and smell (p = 0.001). The programme received very good ratings by the participants. Conclusions: The intervention was effective in improving occupational footwear, foot care and preventive behaviour. It resulted in a reduced burden of FD and should be implemented in the general care of patients with WRSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Programmes for prevention of hand dermatoses in patients with work‐related skin diseases (WRSD) are well established. Similar interventions for foot dermatoses (FD) are widely missing. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a programme for prevention of FD based on health education in patients with WRSD while investigating the impact and possible causative factors of FD. Methods: In a prospective cohort study (OCCUPES), 231 patients with WRSD and FD participating in the programme were recruited. The skin was examined and questionnaires were completed, including assessment of footwear, FD severity, symptoms and health‐related quality of life. Results: The baseline and some early results are presented. A work‐related causation of FD was likely in 60 patients (26.0%) with irritant contact dermatitis being the most frequent diagnosis. Work‐related FD were associated with male sex (p = 0.012), sweating in footwear (p = 0.004) and wearing of safety footwear (p = 0.013). FD were often long‐lasting with a high degree of work‐absenteeism, quality of life impairment, itch and pain, particularly in work‐related FD. Conclusions: Interventions are needed to reduce the burden of FD in patients with WRSD. The programme addresses current shortcomings in prevention of FD. A long‐term evaluation of its effectiveness follows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of patient education in occupational skin diseases (OSD) regarding changes of the disease-specific knowledge. Methods: One hundred and five patients participated in structured patient education as part of an interdisciplinary outpatient prevention measure. In a prospective one-group pre-post-design, the disease-specific knowledge was assessed with the validated 'Occupational Skin Diseases Knowledge Questionnaire' (OSD-KQ) before (T0) and after the intervention (T1). A subcohort ( n = 68) was examined 2-3 months later (T2). Results: The mean OSD-KQ score significantly improved from 38.5 (59.2 % of correct answers, T0) to 55.6 (85.5 % of correct answers, T1). A pronounced heterogeneity was observed among the participants regarding the pre-interventional knowledge (10.8-84.6 % of correct answers, T0) and the individual knowledge gain. Patients who worked in health-related occupations scored significantly higher. Age and sex did not influence the knowledge. In a subcohort, a significantly improved disease-specific knowledge of 52.3 (80.5 % of correct answers) could still be found 2-3 months after the intervention (T2). Conclusions: Structured patient education significantly improves the disease-specific knowledge in patients with OSD. The study indicates not only positive short- but also sustainable long-term effects on the knowledge gain. The OSD-KQ can serve as a tool to evaluate and improve patient education. Health educators need to be aware of the heterogeneity regarding the participants' knowledge and take this into account during educational practice. Additional counseling may be necessary to meet the individual learners' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Occupational hand eczema (OHE) is common in 'wet work' occupations. Thus, effective and sustainable prevention strategies are needed. Objectives. To investigate the long-term effectiveness (sustainability) of an interdisciplinary secondary prevention programme. Methods. One hundred and thirty-four patients with OHE consecutively participated in an outpatient skin protection seminar comprising dermatological and educational interventions. Data were obtained at baseline (T0) and at 9 months (T1) and 5 years (T2) after participation. A cohort of 84 patients was available for analysis of the outcomes 'job continuation', 'skin condition', 'skin protection behaviour', and 'disease management'. Results. At T2, 71.4% of patients remained in their occupation. The prevalence and severity of self-reported OHE were significantly reduced as compared with T0 ( p = 0.007, p = 0.002). Of the patients, 13.1% gave up work because of OHE at T2. The intervention was most successful in patients suffering from milder forms of OHE, and there was less success in patients with severe OHE. The results showed a significant reduction in the frequency of 'hand washing' ( p = 0.003) but no measurable change in the use of skin care products ( p = 1.000). Conclusions. The intervention showed sustainable long-term effects. Early detection and reporting of OHE in the initial stages of the disease is of utmost importance for the effectiveness of secondary prevention. In cases of severe OHE, inpatient programmes may be indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The high prevalence of occupational dermatoses indicates the need for effective and sustainable prevention strategies. Objectives. To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of secondary prevention in geriatric nurses. Patients/Methods. One hundred and two geriatric nurses with occupational hand eczema participated in an interdisciplinary prevention programme [intervention group (IG)]. Members of the control group (CG) (n = 107) were medically treated by local dermatologists. Six years after intervention (T2), data on job continuation, skin lesions and skin protection behaviour were obtained by standardized questionnaires and compared with baseline values (T0) and data from a 3-month follow-up (T1). Results. At T2, 65.3% of the IG and 56.8% of the CG still worked as geriatric nurses; 6.9% of the IG and 13.6% of the CG had given up work because of occupational hand eczema. The skin status improved in both cohorts. The data indicated a lower frequency of skin lesions and morphological signs in the IG, for example vesicles (IG, 12.8%; CG, 40.0%; χ2 = 7.00, degrees of freedom = 1, p = 0.008). Conclusions. The results indicate long-term effects regarding job continuation and disease severity, although few results showed statistical significance. It is outlined that controlled long-term studies aiming at proving the general effectiveness of secondary prevention are no longer feasible in Germany, as the statutory accident insurance has led to a legal entitlement of all patients affected by occupational hand eczema to immediate preventive intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Comfort gloves are used in the management of hand dermatoses.To compare the acceptance and tolerability of comfort gloves made of different materials in patients with hand dermatoses and their effects on skin lesions.In a prospective multicenter study, 284 patients with hand dermatoses were invited to wear either a cotton glove (COT) or a semipermeable Sympatex glove underneath a cotton glove (SYM/COT) for two subsequent phases of 19 consecutive nights each. A total of 88 controls were asked not to wear any comfort gloves overnight. The severity of skin lesions over time was examined. Questionnaires were used to assess health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and acceptance and tolerability of the gloves.The hand dermatoses improved in all groups. No substantial intergroup differences regarding severity and HRQoL were observed. SYM/COT received better ratings regarding climate conditions and tactility while COT showed superiority in fit, wearing comfort, and practicality.We confirmed that SYM/COT and COT are well tolerated and accepted suggesting that SYM/COT is a good alternative for COT as comfort gloves in patients with hand dermatoses. Individual requirements, needs, and preferences may direct the material choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Germany, a stepwise multidisciplinary approach has been established to prevent occupational skin diseases (OSDs), primarily occupational contact dermatitis. This review aims to perform a systematic evaluation of the short‐ and long‐term effects of the German secondary and tertiary individual prevention programmes (SIP and TIP, respectively) for OSDs. Primary outcomes were continuation of employment, severity of hand dermatitis, and quality of life (QoL). The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for studies reporting the effects of the SIP and TIP. A total of 19 studies encompassing 5527 patients with OSDs were included: 11 studies evaluated the SIP and 8 evaluated the TIP. Following the SIP, approximately 70% to 90% and 60% to 70% of patients remained in their occupation after 1 and 5 years, respectively. At 3 years after the TIP, 82.7% of patients remained in their occupation and exhibited a significant decrease in hand dermatitis severity, as well as an increase in QoL. Most of these studies were uncontrolled and the interventions, outcomes, and measurement instruments used were heterogeneous. The SIP and TIP lead to decreased disease severity, improved QoL, and enabled most patients to continue working in their chosen professions. Implementing a similar multidisciplinary approach across Europe may be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Semipermeable membranes might be suitable for glove liners or comfort gloves in individuals with irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). Objectives: To evaluate the effects of different glove materials on inflammation and epidermal barrier impairment after experimental skin irritation. Methods: Nine test areas on the volar forearms of 24 healthy volunteers were irritated with sodium lauryl sulfate (1%) and afterward covered for 6 days (6 or 8 h/day) with semipermeable Sympatex (SYM), vinyl (OCC), combinations of vinyl with Sympatex (SYM/OCC) or cotton (COT/OCC), or left uncovered (CON). Up to day 10, measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema (a*), skin humidity (SH) and visual scoring (VS) were applied. Results: No significant differences in skin parameters were found between COT/OCC and SYM/OCC as well as between each of the combinations and CON. SYM, COT/OCC and SYM/OCC led to better results for most skin parameters than OCC alone. Conclusions: Occlusive material has a negative impact on skin barrier recovery and inflammation after skin irritation whereas SYM is not inferior to uncovered areas indicating good tolerability. Altogether, the data suggest that SYM is a useful alternative to COT as material for glove liners and comfort gloves in ICD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Semipermeable gloves might be an alternative to cotton gloves in management of hand dermatoses. Objectives: To compare acceptance and tolerability of gloves made of cotton or a semipermeable Sympatex membrane in patients with hand dermatoses and their effect on skin lesions when worn overnight. Methods: A total of 199 patients with work‐related symmetrical hand dermatoses were asked to wear a cotton glove (COT) on one hand and a Sympatex glove underneath a cotton glove (SYM/COT) on the other hand for 19 consecutive nights. The severity of skin lesions was regularly examined. A questionnaire on acceptance and tolerability was used in a subset of 126 patients. Results: Data on skin lesions were available for 183 participating patients (92%). The severity did not differ substantially between hands covered with SYM/COT or COT over time. Questionnaire data were available for 120 patients (95%). SYM/COT received better ratings regarding climate conditions while COT showed superiority in wearing comfort, practicality and appearance. Conclusions: Both SYM/COT and COT were well tolerated and accepted in patients with hand dermatoses. Hence, SYM/COT may serve as suitable alternative for COT as comfort gloves supporting therapeutic efforts. The observed slight differences may influence the decision when selecting the glove type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic contact dermatitis, case report, cetylpyridinium chloride, hand eczema, healthcare workers, patch test, surgical gloves, 1,3-diphenylguanidine In conclusion, DPG and, if possible, CPC should be patch tested in healthcare workers with suspected allergic contact dermatitis who use sterile surgical gloves. Keywords: 1,3-diphenylguanidine; allergic contact dermatitis; case report; cetylpyridinium chloride; hand eczema; healthcare workers; patch test; surgical gloves EN 1,3-diphenylguanidine allergic contact dermatitis case report cetylpyridinium chloride hand eczema healthcare workers patch test surgical gloves 207 208 2 02/25/21 20210301 NES 210301 CASE REPORT A 55-year-old male anaesthesiologist with hand eczema was patch tested in our department in 2016 revealing sensitization to 1,3-diphenylguanidine [DPG, day (D) 3: +] and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC, D3: +). [Extracted from the article]

Background: Eczematous skin diseases, e.g., atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, are associated with a high disease burden, a significant impact on quality of life and a higher risk for anxiety and depression. Therefore, coping strategies are of interest. In order to understand coping processes, it is necessary to examine the patients' perspectives on their illness. The aim of this systematic mixed studies review is to investigate the illness perceptions of patients with eczematous skin diseases to get a better understanding of their coping processes. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, The Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, PSYNDEX, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus until February 20, 2019. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included in the review. Two independent reviewers conducted data extraction and carried out a narrative synthesis. We assessed study quality with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: Three qualitative and four quantitative studies were included in the systematic review. We found different methodological approaches for investigating illness perceptions: guided interviews, focus group interviews as well as standardized questionnaires, e.g., the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. All studies report suspected causes of the skin disease, such as endogenous and exogenous causes (namely, psychological or occupational factors). We found long timeline beliefs as well as various perceived and experienced social, economic, and psychological consequences. Our analysis reveals complex emotional representations in patients with eczematous skin diseases, in particular impairment of emotional well-being, and feelings of shame or helplessness. Qualitative and quantitative data were predominantly complementary and convergent. Conclusion: Patients with eczematous skin diseases have complex illness representations regarding their disease. These representations interrelate with the coping behavior of patients. Therefore, medical professionals should consider them for counseling and treatment. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018109217. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glove liners (GLs) made of cotton (COT) are worn under impermeable gloves to prevent occlusion effects. Semipermeable GLs made of Sympatex (SYM) might be an alternative. Objectives: To evaluate the acceptance of GLs (COT/SYM) in health care workers (HCWs) with work‐related skin diseases (WRSDs). Methods: One hundred sixty‐one HCWs with WRSDs were asked to wear GLs in combination with occlusive gloves for 10 ±2 weeks under workplace conditions. A questionnaire was applied to compare acceptance and usability of the respective glove combinations and previously used protective gloves (PUGs). Results: A total of 120 data sets were available (SYM: n = 65, 77.4%; COT: n = 55, 71.4%). Both GLs provided a significantly lower sweating sensation, more pleasant climate, comfortable wearing experience, and moist or dry feeling on the skin compared to PUGs. SYM‐GLs performed significantly better than COT‐GLs regarding mobility of hands, sensitivity, and sense of touch. COT‐GLs were significantly better than SYM‐GLs in the categories fit, donning and doffing, and material contact. Conclusions: Both GLs did not impair work performance, were applicable in various areas of health care activities, and were preferred over PUGs. Our results indicate that SYM‐GLs are an alternative to COT‐GLs and thus may contribute to current prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eczematous skin diseases, e.g., atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, are associated with a high disease burden, a significant impact on quality of life and a higher risk for anxiety and depression. Therefore, coping strategies are of interest. In order to understand coping processes, it is necessary to examine the patients' perspectives on their illness. The aim of this systematic mixed studies review is to investigate the illness perceptions of patients with eczematous skin diseases to get a better understanding of their coping processes. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, The Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, PSYNDEX, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus until February 20, 2019. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included in the review. Two independent reviewers conducted data extraction and carried out a narrative synthesis. We assessed study quality with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: Three qualitative and four quantitative studies were included in the systematic review. We found different methodological approaches for investigating illness perceptions: guided interviews, focus group interviews as well as standardized questionnaires, e.g., the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. All studies report suspected causes of the skin disease, such as endogenous and exogenous causes (namely, psychological or occupational factors). We found long timeline beliefs as well as various perceived and experienced social, economic, and psychological consequences. Our analysis reveals complex emotional representations in patients with eczematous skin diseases, in particular impairment of emotional well-being, and feelings of shame or helplessness. Qualitative and quantitative data were predominantly complementary and convergent. Conclusion: Patients with eczematous skin diseases have complex illness representations regarding their disease. These representations interrelate with the coping behavior of patients. Therefore, medical professionals should consider them for counseling and treatment. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018109217. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To outline the development and pilot testing of a patient counseling approach for individual sun protection for patients in outdoor professions diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma or multiple actinic keratosis due to solar UV radiation. This is a secondary prevention measure as part of the standard procedure of patient care by the respective statutory accident insurance. Methods: Results of guideline-based qualitative interviews with seven outdoor workers and a search of literature formed the basis for the counseling approach, which was compiled in a manual. Interdisciplinary experts (dermatologists and educators) reviewed and consented the final manual. The pilot testing was conducted in consecutive steps (N1 = 36 patients and N1 = 2 counselors; N4 = 12 patients and N4 = 6 counselors). The first two stages of the revised guideline 'Criteria for Reporting the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions in healthcare (CReDECI 2)' serve as background and structure for presenting the results. Results: The 'counseling approach for individual sun protection (ILB: Individuelle Lichtschutz-Beratung)' consists of seven general and eight add-on modules. These can be combined and tailored according to the patient's individual needs. Interactive, educational components (e.g. haptic experiments) are crucial elements of the counseling approach. Conclusions: The special requirements of outdoor workers are hardly taken into consideration in Germany, even though the interest for an improved sun protection behavior of some occupational groups is high. The advantage of the presented approach is that the heterogeneous needs of patients can be specifically addressed with its various modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; case report; dithiocarbamates; gloves; nitrile/neoprene rubber; polyethylene; rubber accelerators; thiurams EN allergic contact dermatitis case report dithiocarbamates gloves nitrile/neoprene rubber polyethylene rubber accelerators thiurams 321 322 2 03/16/22 20220401 NES 220401 CASE REPORT A 44-year-old woman with atopic diathesis who worked as a cleaner of hospital beds presented with longstanding hand dermatitis. The shorter PE glove - despite having almost the same length as the disposable protective glove - tended to slip causing direct skin contact at the wrist with the protective glove containing dithiocarbamates (Figure 1C). [Extracted from the article]