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Copyright of Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: The medico‐legal evaluation of occupational skin diseases is one of the core competencies of dermatology. As a neutral medical expert, the dermatologist has a different role to that of a treating physician. In Germany, the so‐called Bamberg Recommendation (Bamberger Empfehlung) provides a scientifically based assessment basis to ensure equal treatment of all persons undergoing medico‐legal evaluation. In addition to dermatological expertise, knowledge of insurance law and legal terminology is essential for the medical expert. Dermatologists provide legal and administrative decisions of social courts and social insurance institutions with their qualified expert opinions. In this way, dermatology makes an important contribution to social security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To prevent occupational skin diseases, employees are instructed to periodically apply hand protection products as a barrier to protect their hands from water, cleaning agents or other irritants. The aim of this work was to investigate whether bacteria present on the skin at the time of protection product application are enclosed underneath this protective layer, if they can be transferred to other surfaces and if a standard isopropanol-based skin disinfectant can nonetheless reduce the bacterial burden. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in human volunteers based on the European Standard (EN 1500) to assess the burden of microorganisms before and after the application of various protection product formulations and subsequent hand disinfection. Results: All protection products, with the exception of alcohol-based gels, enclosed bacteria underneath a lipid layer which could be transferred onto other surfaces. Still, the hand disinfectant efficiently reduced the bacteria burden. Discussion: In occupations where proper hand hygiene is vital, alcohol-based gels might be the best option for the protection of the skin barrier as well as for reducing the contamination risk. Conclusion: An alcohol-based disinfection agent can dissolve the lipid film of protection products following the standard protocol for hygienic hand disinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: One of the risks that may come from exposure to chemicals, physics, and biological agents in the interaction of processes in industrial activities, particularly in the business of making tofu in the tofu maker's environment, is a work-related skin disease. The number of years of employment, chemical exposure and the time spent each day, hand-washing routines, and the use of personal protective equipment while at work are additional risk factors known to influence the frequency of occupational skin disorders. This study seeks to obtain information about the symptoms and some risk factors of work-related skin diseases in tofu makers in Jalan Raya X, Cipayung District. Methods: The analytical cross-sectional design with a chi-square test was carried out with 50 tofu makers as the total research sample. Measurements were made using the modified Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002)/LONG. Results: The study found that 46% (23 people) of tofu makers did experience symptoms of work-related skin diseases. As many as 84% (42 people) of tofu makers with a working period of more than 3 years, and as many as 96% (50 people) had exposure 3 hours per day. As many as 62% (31 people) had bad hand-washing habits, and 96% (48 people) did not fully use personal protective equipment. Conclusion: Improvement of supporting facilities and infrastructures in the production area, such as air circulation systems, modification of machinery and equipment, setting working hours, and providing proper cleaning facilities will increase the health status of workers.

Background: A variety of activities in construction site such as mason, painting, welding, cement mixing, concrete mixing, may eventually lead to exposures that can subject the construction workers as most vulnerable group to develop occupational skin diseases. Objective: To determine the prevalence of occupational skin diseases among construction workers in Chengalpattu district. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 construction workers in construction sites at Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu state over a period of two months (October 2022 to November 2022). Data collection was done using a interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire and statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS 21 version and p value of

Occupational skin diseases (OSDs) are one of the major problems in working life. Among occupational diseases, 30–45% are skin diseases. Contact dermatitis accounts for the greatest part (95%) of OSDs. It adversely affects the quality of life of workers. Classification of OSD is too difficult as there are geographical variations in the occupational groups affected. However, commonly affected occupational groups are agricultural workers, healthcare workers, construction workers, metal workers, cleaners, housekeepers, food handlers, hairdressers, beauticians, and mechanics. Because of the unorganized workplace, lack of a proper notification system for occupational dermatoses, and under‑reporting of cases, there is a paucity of information regarding the magnitude of the problem of OSD in India. Although in India many studies have been conducted on individual small occupational groups, data on the complete epidemiology of OSD is limited. In this article, we have tried to compile the common OSDs in various occupations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spray-painting is associated with exposure to certain chemicals such as resins, amines, isocyanates and diluents that are important causes of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD). A thorough assessment of causative agents by a specific skin-patch test with workplace substances is an important part of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of OCD in the workplace. Case report: We present a case of two spray-painters from the same company who developed OCD after exposure to paints containing amines, epoxy and isocyanates. Discussion: OCD can have a wide range of causes. Isolation of the actual cause is therefore important for effective management. Workplace visits and specific skin-patch testing play a role in identifying the cause of OCD in the workplace. Conclusion: Thorough assessment of workplace substances is needed to identify the causes of OCD. A workplace visit and skin-patch testing of specific workplace substances plays an important role too. Avoidance of contact with the offending substances through substitution and/or elimination is core to the management of OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Omaha System is one of the most applicable classification systems and can be used effectively to recognize occupational health nurse(s) in practice. Describing occupational health nurse interventions and outcomes can be an example for planning care in a specific case such as hair stylist apprentices with hand eczema symptoms by using the Omaha System. The study consists of 15 cases. The "Turkish-Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire" was used for data collection related to eczema symptoms. The assessment was made by using electronic health record system based on the Omaha System. For the 15 cases, 113 problems and 624 nursing interventions were reported. According to the Omaha System's Problem Classification Scheme, the frequently diagnosed problems were skin (100%), neighborhood/workplace safety (100%), health care supervision (67%), respiration (53%), and pain (40%). The identified intervention categories were 98.5% about teaching, guidance, and counseling; 89.2% about surveillance; and 6.4% about case management. The occupational health nursing outcomes scores were more likely to show higher level after the intervention (p <.05). The Omaha System can be effectively used in occupational healthcare settings for specific cases in workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hairdressing and beautician apprentices are at high risk of occupational skin diseases. Our objective was to compare the prevalence of skin symptoms and the condition of skin barrier between them at the end of vocational training. We recruited 101 hairdressing and 76 beautician apprentices (overall median age 17 years), who reported their history of skin symptoms through the Croatian translation of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002) and had their hand skin clinically examined and evaluated with the Osnabrück Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured following the standard procedure. Hairdressing apprentices reported significantly higher prevalence of hand/wrist eczema or urticaria than beautician apprentices (35 % vs 25 %, respectively; P=0.041) and higher severity of current hand eczema [median (range) 1.5 (0–8) vs 0.5 (0–4), respectively; P20 times a day [median (interquartile range): 24.4 (19.7–33.7) vs 18.8 (15.4–23.2) g/ m2/h, respectively; P

Occupational allergic diseases are likely to worsen or become intractable as a result of continuous exposure to high concentrations of causative allergens. These are socioeconomically important diseases that can lead to work interruptions for patients and potentially job loss. We published the first guideline for managing occupational allergic diseases in Japan. The original document was published in Japanese in 2013, and the following year (2014) it was published in English. This guideline consists of six chapters about occupational asthma, occupational allergic rhinitis, occupational skin diseases, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, occupational anaphylaxis shock, and the legal aspects of these diseases. Providing general doctors with the knowledge to make evidence-based diagnoses and to understand the occupational allergic disease treatment policies, was a breakthrough in allergic disease treatment.Due to the discovery of new occupational allergens and the accumulation of additional evidence, we published a revised version of our original article in 2016, and it was published in English in 2017. In addition to including new knowledge of allergens and evidence, the 2016 revision contains a “Flowchart to Diagnosis” for the convenience of general doctors.We report the essence of the revised guidelines in this paper.

Occupational diseases are characterised by a diverse aetiology. The causative agents may be chemical, physical or biological. In the past 14 years there has been a decrease in the number of reported occupational dermatoses in Poland. In 2017 occupational dermatoses ranked 7th among all occupational diseases, whereas in 2003 they were in the 5th position. There were 1694 recorded cases of cutaneous occupational diseases. The most common entity was allergic contact dermatitis (80.5% of total occupational skin disease cases), while hands were the most frequent location of occupational dermatoses. The number of registered cases of occupational diseases is low compared to other European countries. This indicates that this number may not reflect the true scale of disease incidence and may lead to underestimation of the problem of occupational dermatoses in Poland.

Hairdressing and beautician apprentices are at high risk of occupational skin diseases. Our objective was to compare the prevalence of skin symptoms and the condition of skin barrier between them at the end of vocational training. We recruited 101 hairdressing and 76 beautician apprentices (overall median age 17 years), who reported their history of skin symptoms through the Croatian translation of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002) and had their hand skin clinically examined and evaluated with the Osnabrück Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured following the standard procedure. Hairdressing apprentices reported significantly higher prevalence of hand/wrist eczema or urticaria than beautician apprentices (35 % vs 25 %, respectively; P=0.041) and higher severity of current hand eczema [median (range) 1.5 (0–8) vs 0.5 (0–4), respectively; P<0.001] and had higher hand TEWL values in those who washed their hands >20 times a day [median (interquartile range): 24.4 (19.7–33.7) vs 18.8 (15.4–23.2) g/ m2/h, respectively; P<0.001). Hairdressing apprentices had more severe clinical symptoms on the hands, and 83 % of those who reported eczema also reported that exacerbation occurred during practical training in comparison to 38 % of beautician apprentices. Our study is the first to report occupational hand and forearm skin issues in the beautician apprentices and also suggests that more effort is needed to improve training about safety at work, which should be specifically tailored for these two trades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2013, a guideline for occupational allergic diseases was published for the first time in Japan. Occupational allergic diseases are likely to worsen or become intractable as a result of continuous exposure to high concentrations of causative antigens, and are socioeconomically important diseases with which the patients might sometimes lose jobs due to work interruptions. Guidelines for occupational allergic diseases have been published in many countries. This guideline consists of six chapters about occupational asthma, occupational allergic rhinitis, occupational skin diseases, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and occupational anaphylaxis shock, and legal aspects of these diseases. The guideline is characterized with the following basic structure: Clinical Questions (CQs) are set with reference to Minds (Medical Information Network Distribution Service), statements by the committee are correspondingly listed, recommended grades and evidence levels are defined, and then descriptions and references are indicated.

Due to constant contact with water and harmful chemicals, hairdressers are at high risk of developing occupational skin diseases (OSD), which in 90% of cases are manifested as irritative or allergic contact dermatitis of hands and forearms. The period from the beginning of exposure to onset of skin symptoms is very short averaging 2.1 years, meaning that symptoms may already be present during apprenticeship. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-school medical examinations as primary prevention tool for OSD among hairdressing apprentices. This survey was conducted in 2015 at a vocational school for hairdressers in Zagreb. All 128 third-grade hairdressing apprentices were invited to participate, and 101 female apprentices with an average age of 17 responded. Data were collected using survey questions regarding the content of the medical examination that pupils underwent before enrolment in the programme. Eighty-nine (88%) apprentices stated they were examined by a physician before enrolment: 48 (54%) by an occupational medicine specialist, 5 (6%) by a general practitioner, 11 (12%) by a school medicine specialist and 19 (21%) did not remember the specialist. Out of 78 apprentices who recounted the details of the examination, 48 (62%) had their skin examined and 54 (69%) were asked if they had any allergies. Results indicate a weakness in conducting health examinations for vocational schools. Consequently, pupils with pre-existing skin problems are allowed to choose high-risk occupations which may worsen their symptoms or facilitate development of OSD. There is a need to strengthen and standardize the content of the examinations prior to enrolment in schools as the first step in vocational guidance, choice of profession, and long-term preservation of working ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although isocyanates are increasingly used in manufacturing and workplace exposure to isocyanates is widely recognized as one of the most frequent causes for occupational lung and skin diseases, little is known about the economic burden on the affected individual and the society. This study provides an overview on costs of occupational diseases related to isocyanates. We performed a systematic literature search of studies in the electronic databases of the German Institute of Medical Documentation and Information, and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. We extracted the key characteristics of the studies and performed a study quality assessment. We identified eight studies on the costs of illness, of which five focused on occupational lung diseases and three on occupational skin diseases. Further, eight studies calculated loss of income/compensation payments. Out of the 16 identified articles, only two reported costs directly attributable to isocyanate-induced diseases (asthma). Studies were hardly comparable because they differed substantially in their methodological approaches. Moreover, the quality assessment of the studies revealed substantial limitations. While a wide range of isocyanate-related costs was identified, consequences of isocyanate-related occupational diseases were considerable in terms of societal costs and loss of income. In most studies, indirect costs were the main cost driver. There is a need for high-quality cost of illness studies on isocyanate-induced diseases stratified by degree of severity and sex. Such studies provide valuable information to develop preventive strategies and set priorities for measures to lower the burden of professional health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dermatology Review / Przeglad Dermatologiczny is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Professional musicians have prolonged and intense physical contact with their instruments. This can lead to occupational skin diseases, particularly irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives: To assess the skin diseases and sensitization patterns common among professional musicians. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) was performed, including data from 1997 to 2017. Results: We identified 236 professional musicians. In this group, male sex (58.6%) and younger age (60.6% aged < 40 years) were common. The musicians suffered more frequently from facial dermatitis (23.7% vs 15.7%) and less often from leg dermatitis (5.1% vs 10.7%) than the control group (the non‐musicians in the IVDK database). The most frequent diagnoses were allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis. The sensitization profile of the professional musicians was similar to that of the control group. In 8.9% of cases, an occupational background of skin disease was confirmed. Conclusions: Severe occupational skin diseases among professional musicians are not as common as in classic "skin‐damaging" professions. However, as these skin conditions can mostly be controlled with simple preventive measures, we recommend that this group should be patch tested and treated by a specialist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is one of the most common occupational skin diseases (OSDs). Its prevalence and the causative allergens differ between occupations. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of ACD and the pattern of patch test results of patients taking part in a tertiary individual prevention programme (TIP) for OSD in Germany. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, the data of 3411 TIP patients patch tested between 2007 and 2016 were analysed. Results: In 2687 (78.8%) patients, work‐related skin disease was diagnosed, mostly hand dermatitis. The highest proportion of face dermatitis was seen in painters (8.1%). ACD was most common in painters (56.8%), hairdressers (45.8%), construction workers (31.5%), gardeners/florists (26.7%), and metalworkers (26.5%). On average, hairdressers had the youngest age (31.4 ± 12.6 years, P < 0.0001) and the shortest time in the profession prior to the TIP (mean 13.7 years). The pattern of patch test reactivity showed occupation‐specific differences related to work exposures. Conclusions: Identification of occupational groups at risk for ACD and relevant allergens may help in the development and implementation of targeted prevention strategies. Our data suggest that there should be a particular focus on hairdressers and painters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Skin diseases represent one of the most common work‐related diseases and may have a detrimental effect on social, personal and occupational aspects of life. Contact dermatitis (CD), which comprises predominately irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), accounts for vast majority of occupational skin diseases, especially in occupations associated with frequent skin contact with irritants and contact allergens. Although ICD and ACD have similar clinical manifestation, their pathophysiology and the role of the skin barrier are different. In ICD, perturbation of the skin barrier is the primary event which sets into motion diverse metabolic processes and triggers activation of innate immunity without the involvement of adaptive immune system. In ACD, a type IV hypersensitivity reaction induced by contact allergens, the skin barrier impairment may evoke innate signalling pathways during the sensitization phase required for the activation of T‐cell adaptive response. Thus, skin barrier impairment may increase the risk of ICD or ACD not only because of enhanced permeability and ingress of irritants and allergens but also by the generation of innate immune signal needed for the induction of allergic response. Hence, an efficient way to prevent CD is to avoid skin barrier damage in the workplace. This review focuses on the skin barrier, how it is affected by skin irritants and how its impairment contributes to the development of ICD and ACD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the difficulties in diagnosing occupational diseases and deficiencies in statistical data, occupational diseases are underreported in Turkey. The average number of records in our country is around 10, when at least 100.000 new occupational skin diseases need to be diagnosed annually. This is due to the shortcomings in the diagnosis and notification of the occupational diseases in our country. In this article, we analyzed occupational skin diseases and their International Classification of Diseases codes, and how they are diagnosed medically and legally, and the difficulties in diagnosing these diseases. The article emphasizes that the dermatologists should be trained in occupational diseases and occupational health codes in order to improve diagnosing and reporting occupational diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo is the property of Escuela Nacional de Medicina del Trabajo - Instituto de Salud Carlos III and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background A tertiary individual prevention programme ( TIP) is offered to patients with severe occupational skin disease ( OSD) in Germany. Previously, it was shown that the burden of OSDs is considerably reduced in patients up to 1 year after the TIP. Objectives To evaluate the long-term effects of the TIP. Patients and methods In a prospective multicentre cohort study, the clinical and patient-reported outcome data 3 years after the TIP were evaluated. Results Of the 1788 patients initially included in the study, 1410 were available for the 3-year follow-up analysis. The severity of OSD, the use of topical corticosteroids and days of absence from work were significantly reduced 3 years after the TIP, and the quality of life and skin protective behaviour were significantly improved. Of the patients, 96.9% were able to resume work. One thousand one hundred and sixty -six patients (82.7%) were still working 3 years after the TIP, 874 of them (75.0%) in the same occupational field. Hairdressers had the lowest rate of remaining in their original profession (41.3%). Conclusions The follow-up during 3 years of this unique cohort of patients with OSDs shows that the TIP is associated with sustained improvements in terms of disease severity, ability to work, quality of life, and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The risk of developing occupational skin disease ( OSD) is high in hairdressers, but may differ between countries. Objective To evaluate safety at work measures, and the prevalence and severity of skin symptoms and their impact on quality of life ( QoL), among Croatian hairdressing apprentices. Methods Data on self-reported skin symptoms, safety measures and QoL were collected for 101 final-year apprentices. The presence and severity of skin lesions were assessed with the Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index ( OHSI). Transepidermal water loss ( TEWL) was measured on the forearm and hand. Results Ninety-one percent of apprentices reported wearing gloves while dyeing hair, 45% while rinsing hair dyes, and 4% while washing hair. A history of skin symptoms was found in 35% of apprentices, and a history of dry hands in 37%. Skin changes were clinically observed in 40% of apprentices, most frequently erythema, infiltration, and desquamation. The OHSI score ranged from 0 to 6. Only washing hands >20 times per day was positively associated with TEWL. A history of skin symptoms negatively correlated with self-esteem, and social and mental functioning, and positively with anxiety and depression. Conclusions The results indicate the need for the continuation of efforts to establish effective primary preventive programmes for OSDs at national and EU levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]