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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]

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: 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. 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]