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A crude preparation of horseradish roots was used as a low-purity source of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in dye decolorization experiments. The technical feasibility of the process was studied in bench scale for enzymatic removal of acid orange 7 (AO7), a synthetic dye. Further studies were carried out to understand the effects of process parameters such as pH value, H(2)O(2) level, concentrations of the synthetic dye, and HRP during enzyme-mediated dye degradation. Experimental data revealed that the concentration of AO7, pH of the aqueous phase, amount of the enzyme, and H(2)O(2) level played significant roles on the overall enzymatic reaction. Polyethylene glycol, as an anti-inactivation of HRP, in various concentrations showed no significant effect on the decolorization. The experimental data of initial reaction rates were fitted using an analytical equation proposed by Michaelis-Menten. The acute toxicity tests using Daphnia magna exhibited that the enzymatic treatment significantly decreased the toxicity of the dye solution.

Background: It is known that some patch-test preparations containing disperse dyes contain impurities with unknown relevance for the development or elicitation of contact allergy., Objective: To evaluate the significance of the impurities found in the commercial dyes Disperse Orange 1 (DO1) and Disperse Yellow 3 (DY3) regarding contact allergy in patients with known sensitivity to them., Methods: Ten patients allergic to DY3 and/or DO1 were tested with a dilution series of commercial and purified DY3 and DO1 (with water-soluble parts prepared from the commercial dyes) and with naphthalene sulfonate. Nine patients were additionally tested with thin-layer chromatograms (TLCs) made from the commercial DO1 and DY3 and with paper chromatograms made from the water-soluble part of these dyes., Results: Eight of nine and three of six patients tested positively to the TLCs of DO1 and DY3, respectively. Among them, 4 of 8 and 2 of 3 patients, respectively, were positive also to another spot on the TLCs. One patient was positive to the paper chromatogram from the water-soluble part of DO1. None of the tested patients reacted to naphthalene sulfonate., Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that there are more relevant allergens in the fat-soluble and water-soluble fractions of the commercial disperse dyes.

The micronucleus (MN) assay in exfoliated buccal cells is a minimally invasive method for monitoring genetic damage in human populations and is used as an indicator of genotoxic exposition, as it is associated with chromosome aberrations. In this study, we evaluated MN frequencies and other nuclear changes (NCs), such as karyorrhexis (KR), karyolysis (KL), broken egg (BE), and binucleus in buccal mucosa cells of 50 carpet fabric workers (25 smokers and 25 nonsmokers) and 50 healthy control subjects (25 smokers and 25 nonsmokers). Microscopic observation of 2000 cells per individual was performed in both workers and control subjects. In both the control group and the exposed group, for each person a repair index (RI) was calculated via the following formula: (KR+KL)/(BE+MN). The results showed a statistically significant increase in the frequency of MN in buccal epithelial cells of exposed group compared with control group. There is a significant difference between worker and control groups (p<0.001) for RI. We believe that the calculation of RI values, in addition to nuclear changes, presents a new approach in risk assessment in relation to occupational exposure.

Background: Textile allergy is a well-established entity, but there are relatively few Australian reports in this area., Objectives: To report the combined experience of textile contact dermatitis from the general and occupational contact dermatitis clinics at the Skin and Cancer Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia., Patients/methods: On the basis of the clinical suspicion of textile allergy, 2069 patients were tested with a textile series., Results: One hundred and fifty-seven (7.6%) patients reacted to any of the textile-related allergens. The most common allergen was Basic Red 46 (20.2% of the positive reactions), followed by Disperse Blue 106 and Disperse Blue 124 (11.8% and 11.2%, respectively). Reactions to formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals accounted for 30.6% of the concomitant reactions, and reactions to p-phenylenediamine accounted for 12.6% of the concomitant reactions. The use of Disperse Blue mix yielded only 12.2% of patients sensitive to either of these two allergens, and it is not endorsed as a screening agent for textile dye allergy., Conclusion: Textile allergy is not uncommon. In Melbourne, Basic Red 46 in inexpensive, dark-coloured, acrylic-blend, men's work socks is the most important cause. It is important to test with samples of patients' clothing., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Dry skin is a condition characterized by impaired skin barrier function including atopic dermatitis and senile eczemas. Fabric softening chemicals (FSC) smoothens the surface of fabrics and thus decreases friction with the skin. Scientific evaluation of fabric softener on skin dryness is very limited. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of FSC-treated T-shirts in subjects with dry skin. This is a randomized double-blind control study that included 40 male volunteers with apparent dry skin. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: 20 men received 28 pieces of FSC-treated T-shirts wearing them for 4 weeks, and another 20 men received non-treated T-shirts. The effect of trial was evaluated by visual grading, subjective symptom, stratum corneum water content (SCWC), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and dermoscopic skin surface analysis on days 0, 7, 14 and 28. A significant improvement of SCWC was observed in the skin of the shoulder (days 7-28) and lateral abdomen (day 14) wearing the treated T-shirts, but not in the non-treated T-shirts. In a stratified analysis of the low and high SCWC group, significant improvement was identified in the low SCWC groups but not in high SCWC groups. The visual grading of the shoulder improved significantly in the treated T-shirts group. No significant improvement was found in TEWL, dermoscopic analysis and subjective symptom in both groups. No remarkable side-effect was identified throughout this investigation. Addition of a fabric softener during clothes laundering is a potent preventive tool for dry skin., (© 2010 Japanese Dermatological Association.)

Ethylene urea/melamine formaldehyde resin (permanent press) is a common fabric finishing agent added to Army Combat Uniforms for a wrinkle-free appearance and to strengthen the fabric. We describe the case of an active duty U.S. Army soldier with a diffuse eczematous dermatitis in whom patch testing was used to identify an allergy to permanent press, a ubiquitous fabric finishing agent in the Army combat uniform. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a soldier with an allergic contact dermatitis to ethylene urea/melamine formaldehyde resin. This case highlights the importance of considering the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with a recurrent eczematous dermatitis that does not respond appropriately to therapy and the unique occupational impact of diagnosing an Army soldier with permanent press allergy.

The skin is not only the largest organ of the human body, but it is also a barrier to the environment. The major part of the human skin is in constant contact with textile materials. The objective of this study was to characterize textile materials and to investigate their influence on the skin properties. For this purpose, two different textile materials (polyamide and polyester) were objectively characterized by optical coherence tomography and surface structure 3D-profilometry. In addition, subjective textile properties like haptic sensation and stiffness, as tactile characteristics felt by volunteers, were analyzed. The objective textile characteristics and subjective parameters were compared to the barrier properties measured by in vivo laser scanning microscopy . Comparable results were achieved between barrier properties and subjective assessment in relation to the textile characteristics in favor of the polyester fabric. Consequently, the optical method used in dermatology for the analysis of the skin can be applied to characterize and evaluate textile fabrics and their interaction with human skin in vivo.

Since the 1960s, cloth diapers have been replaced by disposable diapers. The evolution of healthier skin in the diaper area has been demonstrated in parallel to that of disposable diapers. The improvements of disposable diapers--fit, dryness, comfort--have been based on the understanding of factors playing a role in the development of diaper dermatitis., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

This is a case report of a female patient showing a delayed allergic reaction to epoxy resin. The allergic contact dermatitis occurred after sitting in her new car equipped with artificial leather seats.

Introduction: Workers in the cotton processing industries risk developing obstructive respiratory conditions due to prolonged exposure to cotton dust. We noted a tenfold increase in asthma among workers in a Textile Manufacturing Company. We determined the prevalence of respiratory obstructive conditions among workers in various sections., Methods: We conducted a cross sectional analytic study. Workers were randomly sampled and data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Respiratory function was assessed using spirometry and chest auscultation. A walk through survey was conducted and a checklist was used to capture hazards and control measures in the work place., Results: A total of 194 workers participated. The prevalence of severe respiratory obstruction was 27.8%. It was 50.0% among the blowers, 35.3% in waste recovery, 32.5% in carders, 15.0% in spinners and 7.5% among weavers. The mean years of exposure between the affected and the non-affected were significantly different (T =2.20; p< 0.05). Working in the blowing department was significantly associated with developing respiratory obstruction (OR=3.53; 95% CI= 1.61-7.79) but working in the weaving department was significantly protective (OR 0.16; CI 0.04-0.59).Working in a department for less than 10 years was protective (OR =0.94; 95% CI= 0.48-1.85), but not significant., Conclusion: Obstructive respiratory conditions are common among textile workers, with those in blowing and waste recovery sections being the most affected. We recommended worker rotation every six months, regular spirometric screening employment of a medical officer.

Rationale: The degree to which chronic respiratory health effects caused by exposures to cotton dust and endotoxin is reversible after cessation of textile work is unknown., Objectives: To investigate changes in lung function and respiratory symptoms after cessation of textile work and to determine whether past exposure to cotton dust and endotoxin or smoking history modify the associations., Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study consisting of 447 cotton textile workers exposed to cotton dust and 472 unexposed silk textile workers, with a 25-year follow-up. Spirometry testing and respiratory questionnaires were conducted at 5-year intervals. Generalized estimated equations were used to model the average 5-year change in FEV(1) and odds ratios of respiratory symptom prevalence., Measurements and Main Results: Years since cessation of textile work was positively associated with 11.3 ml/yr and 5.6 ml/yr gains in 5-year FEV(1) change for cotton and silk workers, respectively. Among male cotton workers, smokers gained more FEV(1) per year after cessation of exposure than did nonsmokers, and the risk of symptoms of chronic bronchitis and byssinosis was larger for smoking than for nonsmoking male cotton workers., Conclusions: Cessation of textile work was significantly associated with improvement in lung function and respiratory symptoms. The positive effect of work cessation was greater for cotton workers than for silk workers. For cotton workers, the improvement in lung function loss after cessation of textile work was greater among smokers, but no differences were observed for silk workers.

Objective: To examine the association between exposure to endotoxins and lung cancer risk by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies of workers in the cotton textile and agricultural industries; industries known for high exposure levels of endotoxins., Methods: Risk estimates were extracted from studies published before 2009 that met predefined quality criteria, including 8 cohort, 1 case-cohort, and 2 case-control studies of cotton textile industry workers, and 15 cohort and 2 case-control studies of agricultural workers. Summary risk estimates were calculated using random effects meta-analyses. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored through subgroup analyses., Results: The summary risk of lung cancer was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.57-0.90) for textile workers and 0.62 (0.52-0.75) for agricultural workers. The relative risk of lung cancer was below 1.0 for most subgroups defined according to sex, study design, outcome, smoking adjustment, and geographic area. Two studies provided quantitative estimates of endotoxin exposure and both studies tended to support a dose-dependent protective effect of endotoxins on lung cancer risk., Conclusion: Despite several limitations, this meta-analysis based on high-quality studies adds weight to the hypothesis that occupational exposure to endotoxin in cotton textile production and agriculture is protective against lung cancer.

Formaldehyde-based resins have been used to create permanent-press finishes on fabrics since the 1920s. These resins have been shown to be potent sensitizers in some patients, leading to allergic contact dermatitis. This review summarizes the history of formaldehyde textile resin use, the diagnosis and management of allergic contact dermatitis from these resins, and current regulation of formaldehyde resins in textiles.

Background: Some occupations carry a risk for fungal infections., Objective: To investigate the prevalence of onychomycosis in carpet weavers., Methods: Seventy-seven weavers (the mean age +/- SD = 32.97 +/- 12.38) from three factories and 77 controls (the mean age +/- SD = 38.32 +/- 12.38) were examined for onychomycosis. Samples from nails and the carpets, which were being weaved, were taken for mycological investigations., Results: Direct microscopic examination of only two controls' normal-appearing nails was positive. Fungal growth was observed in the culture of four weavers' normal-appearing nails. It was watched over that most of the weavers had polished-appearing nails and were using a glue containing cyanoacrylate to restore their broken nails due to weaving., Conclusion: The fungal growth observed in weavers' nails has been accepted as colonization. There is no data about the presence of fungi on normal-appearing nails. So, we thought that the weavers with fungal colonization should be followed for the development of onychomycosis.

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was to identify and quantify the health risk factors in small and middle enterprises (SME) in Bacău, which represent 5.5% of the total number of enterprises, employing about 29% of the total workforce in Bacău., Material and Method: Two questionnaires have been administered, first asking for general information about the company and second, asking for data about current exposure, according to the reports required by the Ministry of Health. Workplaces were visited and analyzed through direct observation., Results: The most important risk factors, found in 22% of the employees in small enterprises and 31% of employees in middle enterprises, are visual strain, musculoskeletal strain and exposure to textile dust. The measurements showed exposure over the threshold limit for silica dust, wood dust, noise and organic solvents in 35% of cases., Conclusion: The study resulted in a useful database for increasing the quality of occupational health services provided to employees in SMEs and offered the possibility to compare data with other geographical areas of our country and worldwide.

Objective: Respiratory allergies are the most common occupational diseases in the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of rhinitis and asthma among apprentices exposed to cotton dust in the clothing industry and to describe their epidemiologic and clinical profiles., Subjects and Methods: We carried out a descriptive study of 600 apprentices in a textile and clothing vocational training centre in the Monastir area. The investigation comprised a questionnaire exploring risk factors and symptoms appearing during their training. Subjects who developed allergic respiratory symptoms at the work-place underwent a clinical examination, rhinomanometry and investigation of their allergic status and respiratory function., Results: One hundred twenty apprentices (20%) developed allergic respiratory reactions due to exposure to textile dust (exclusively cotton) during their training, with a positive withdrawal-re-exposure test. Conjunctivitis (14.3%) and rhinitis (8.5%) were the most frequent allergic symptoms. Twenty eight apprentices (4.6%) presented symptoms of asthma. Rhinitis was associated with asthma in 45% of cases. Two cases of asthma were diagnosed clinically at the work-place following their exposure to textile dust. The prick test performed in 120 symptomatic apprentices was positive in 41.6% of cases. There was sensitization to pollens in 29 cases and to dermatophagoides in 13 cases. Cotton and wool allergy was noted in two cases. Allergic symptoms developing during the training were significantly more frequent in the atopic group, and they varied according to the intensity of textile dust exposure., Conclusion: In the textile and clothing industry the frequency of respiratory disorders caused by allergens remains high, especially in atopic apprentices who constitute a population at high risk.

Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis can take several clinical forms. In Asia, macular amyloidosis caused by prolonged friction from a rough nylon towel or brush is common, and macular amyloidosis and lichen amyloidosis occasionally occur together, as so-called biphasic amyloidosis. We report herein the case of an 83-year-old Japanese man with lichen amyloidosis caused by prolonged nylon towel friction. This patient presented with unique symmetrical papular lesions on the upper back and shoulders. Lesions comprised slightly shiny, brownish, fine uniform papules approximately 0.5 mm in diameter, showing a partially linear, annular or rippled arrangement. Although this case was caused by prolonged nylon towel friction, no coexisting macular lesions could be found. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first case of lichen amyloidosis induced by nylon towel friction in the absence of the macular amyloidosis that is usually observed in such cases. We instructed the patient to stop the habit of nylon towel rubbing and prescribed a topical steroid ointment and cepharanthine. After 6 months of treatment, papular lesions became clearly flatter.

Background: Disperse dyes (DDs) are the most common sensitizers among textile dyes, but there is little knowledge of the clinical relevance of positive patch test reactions., Objective: To investigate if patient-reported textile-related skin problems can be explained by contact allergy to eight different DDs and/or to chemically related substances, by occupation or by atopic constitution, and if the skin problems are influenced by age or sex., Methods: A questionnaire on textile-related skin problems was answered by 858 of 982 consecutively patch tested patients in Malmö, Sweden and in Leuven, Belgium. The baseline series used for patch testing was supplemented with a textile dye mix (TDM) consisting of the eight DDs and with the separate dyes. The association between textile-related skin problems and contact allergy to the DDs and other risk factors was investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis., Results: Eighteen per cent of the patients suspected textiles as a cause of their skin problems. Atopic constitution and female sex were risk factors for skin reactions. Synthetic materials were the most common textiles to give skin problems. A significant association was found between self-reported textile-related skin problems and contact allergy to para-phenylenediamine (PPD) [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-4.3]. A similar, but more imprecise, adjusted OR was found for TDM (OR 1.9; 95% CI 0.57-5.6). Contact allergy to black rubber mix was too rare to be evaluated., Conclusions: Contact allergy to PPD was a more prevalent indicator for skin reactions to textiles than the TDM used in this study.

Endoprostheses made from knitted fabric of 3 loop types were used for hernioplasty in rats. Biocompatibility of implanted textile constructions was evaluated after 6 months. The intensity of inflammatory reaction and types of complications in animals depended on the loop type and method of finishing of the mesh endoprosthesis tissue.

Both physicians and patients hold many misconceptions when it comes to allergen avoidance. Ten commonly held misconceptions are exposed, allowing more accurate approach to the individual with cutaneous allergies.

Background/purpose: Prolonged pressure as well as friction and shear forces at the skin-textile interface are decisive physical parameters in the development of decubitus. The present article describes the contact phenomena at the skin-textile interface and the development of a purpose-built textile friction analyser (TFA) for the tribological assessment of skin-fabric interactions, in connection with decubitus prevention., Methods: Interface pressure distributions were recorded in the pelvic and femoral regions between supine persons and a foam mattress. Fabrics made of various natural and synthetic yarns were investigated using the TFA. A vertical load of 7.7 kPa was applied to the swatches, simulating high interface pressures at the skin-fabric interface and clinical conditions of bedridden persons. Fabrics were rubbed in reciprocating motions against a validated skin-simulating material to determine static as well as dynamic friction coefficients (COFs)., Results: Maximum contact pressures ranged from 5.2 to 7.7 kPa (39-58 mmHg) and exceeded the capillary closure pressure (32 mmHg) in all investigated bedding positions. For both COFs, a factor of 2.5 was found between the samples with the lowest and highest values. Our results were in a similar range to COFs found in measurements on human skin in vivo. The results showed that our test method can detect differences of 0.01 in friction coefficients., Conclusion: TFA measurements allow the objective and reliable study of the tribology of the skin-textile biointerface and will be used to develop medical textiles with improved performance and greater efficacy for decubitus prevention.

A bedsore or pressure ulcer is an area of localized damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by pressure, shear, friction, or a combination of these factors. In countries with a large geriatric population like Canada, this healthcare threat presents a significant risk to hospitalized patients, imposing huge cost on both treatment and care for patients. The role textiles play in the formation and prevention of pressure ulcers is understudied. The fact remains, textiles, such as clothing and bedding, have a considerable influence on factors, such as pressure, shear/friction, and skin hydration, which contribute to skin ulceration. Our work is a pilot study to investigate the role of textile products in the formation and prevention of bedsores. This study began with a survey study at a local long-term care facility, collecting information about incidences of bedsores and the physical conditions of residents. Information was also collected about the textile products that have been used by the residents. Correlations were established between these products and the incidence/severity of bedsores. Immobility of residents was determined to be a significant factor of causing skin lesions and pressure ulcers. Immobility of residents contributes to a prolonged interaction between skin and fabrics and might increase the chances of skin lesions or bedsores.

Chlorothalonil (tetrachloro-1,3-benzenedicarbonitrile, CAS 1897-45-6) is a pesticide that has been on the market for many years. It is used as a fungicide in agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture; as a wood preservative; and in paint. We report an epidemic of airborne irritant contact dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and upper airway complaints among seamstresses in a Portuguese trailer tent factory, which we attribute to chlorothalonil. All exposed workers had work-related skin symptoms. After patch testing, we showed that none of these were of allergic origin. Instead of allergic reactions, we noticed a delayed type of irritation after 72 hr to chlorothalonil and to the textile extracts containing high concentrations of chlorothalonil. Although allergic and irritant contact dermatitis from chlorothalonil has been described before, this is, as far as we know, the first time that a delayed type of dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and upper airway irritation after exposure to chlorothalonil in tent-cloth is described.

Despite a trend for reduction in the concentration of free formaldehyde in textiles, formaldehyde textile resin (FTR) allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) remains an important clinical issue and is likely underdiagnosed. Patients with FTR ACD may react to formaldehyde released from the resin or to the resin itself. Screening with formaldehyde and ethyleneurea/melamine formaldehyde resin will uncover most cases. Patch testing with the suspected offending fabric most often leads to false-negative results. We present a case of a 49-year-old pediatrician who developed a severe widespread dermatitis caused by contact with FTRs from her hospital "greens" ("scrubs") and mask.

2-N-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (OIT) is an antimicrobial agent that is mainly used in industrial settings. The objective of the study was to find the significance of OIT contact allergy at our clinic of occupational dermatology. We looked through our patient material from 1991 for allergic reactions to OIT and analysed the clinical records. We found 8 patients with ordinary allergic reactions to OIT and 1 late reaction. 2 workers in the manufacture of paints had occupational allergic contact dermatitis from OIT in biocides. 2 patients were machinists and 3 were female farmers: in these cases, however, we could not find any exposure. A sewing machine operator had patch test reactions to 2 of her mattress textiles, and chemical analysis of them showed 40-50 parts per million OIT. In conclusion, OIT is a rare sensitizer, and its contact allergies occur mainly in paint manufacturing. It is infrequently used in metal-working fluids and possibly sensitizes machinists. Although it is also used in some biocides recommended for use in the textile industry, there are no previous reports of contact allergy in this field. Our sewing machine operator with OIT contact allergy had probably been sensitized from mattress textiles.

Purpose of Investigation: The effect of different types of textiles on pregnancy was studied in 35 pregnant bitches divided equally into one control and four experimental groups., Methods: During pregnancy, the test groups were dressed in a garment made of either pure polyester, cotton or wool, or of a 50/50% polyester-cotton mix. Serum estradiol 17 B and progesterone were measured before and every 15 days during pregnancy. Electrostatic potential (EP) was assessed on the skin before and after wearing the garment., Results: The bitches wearing cotton, wool and polyester-cotton mix as well as five of the seven wearing pure polyester garments had normal serum estradiol and progesterone during pregnancy and produced normal offspring. The remaining two animals of the group wearing pure polyester showed low serum progesterone levels in the first month of pregnancy and had spontaneous abortions. Mating was attempted in these two bitches during the subsequent estrous cycle without making them wear polyester garments. Serum levels of reproductive hormones were normal and they produced normal offspring. EP was detected on the skin of only the polyester-dressed groups, and was higher in the pure than in the mixed polyester groups., Conclusions: The cause of low serum progesterone and abortion in the two bitches is unknown. Abortion seemed to be due to the low serum progesterone which may have resulted from the injurious effect of EP on the ovarian or placental function.

Penile injury is a rare chief complaint in the pediatric emergency department. The most common penile injuries are iatrogenic or postsurgical complications, blunt trauma, tourniquet injuries, fractures, and zipper injuries. We report a series of 3 cases of penile foreskin entrapment within the mesh lining of bathing suits as a new, recognized form of penile injury.

Contact allergy to disperse dyes in textiles is documented in prevalence studies from southern Europe. To evaluate the prevalence of allergic patch test reactions to different textile dyes in southern Sweden, and to look at the sites of dermatitis in individuals hypersensitive to textile dyes, we retrospectively investigated 3325 consecutively patch-tested patients. They had all been patch tested with the standard test series supplemented with a textile dye mix (TDM) consisting of 8 disperse dyes, i.e. Disperse (D) Blue 35, 106 and 124, D Yellow 3, D Orange 1 and 3 and D Red 1 and 17. All but 3 of the TDM-positive patients were additionally tested with the separate dyes included in the mix. The frequency of contact allergy to TDM was 1.5%, which is comparable with studies from southern Europe. The most common dye allergen was D Orange 1. The high prevalence of allergic reactions to D Orange 1 was unexpected, whereas test reactions to D Blue 106 and 124 were lower than expected from other studies. Compared to all tested patients, the TDM-positive patients more often had dermatitis on their arms, face, neck and axillary folds, and women also had a higher frequency of hand dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease which usually starts during the first years of life. In the management of AD, the correct approach requires a combination of multiple treatments to identify and eliminate trigger factors, and to improve the alteration of the skin barrier. In this article we try to explain the importance of skin care in the management of AD in relation to the use of textiles: they may be useful to improve disrupted skin but they are also a possible cause of triggering or worsening the lesions. Garments are in direct contact with the skin all day long, and for this reason it is important to carefully choose suitable fabrics in atopic subjects who have disrupted skin. Owing to their hygienic properties fabrics produced from natural fibres are preferential. Wool fibres are frequently used in human clothes but are irritant in direct contact with the skin. Wool fibre has frequently been shown to be irritant to the skin of atopic patients, and for this reason wool intolerance was included as a minor criterion in the diagnostic criteria of AD by Hanifin and Rajka in 1980. Cotton is the most commonly used textile for patients with AD; it has wide acceptability as clothing material because of its natural abundance and inherent properties like good folding endurance, better conduction of heat, easy dyeability and excellent moisture absorption. Silk fabrics help to maintain the body temperature by reducing the excessive sweating and moisture loss that can worsen xerosis. However, the type of silk fabric generally used for clothes is not particularly useful in the care and dressing of children with AD since it reduces transpiration and may cause discomfort when in direct contact with the skin. A new type of silk fabric made of transpiring and slightly elastic woven silk is now commercially available (Microair Dermasilk) and may be used for the skin care of children with AD. The presence of increased bacterial colonization has been demonstrated in patients with AD. Such colonization has been included in the group of trigger factors for eczema in AD. Silver products have recently been demonstrated to offer two advantages in the control of bacterial infections. Textiles may be used not only for clothes, but also to prevent dust mite sensitization in atopic patients. A marked clinical improvement of AD was observed in a group of adults and children with positive skin tests (not necessarily towards mites), after an intensive eradication programme for mite allergens. Skin treatment with acaricide and house dust mite control measures can decrease AD symptoms. Different textiles have various potential worsening links with allergies: e.g. clothing has been proposed as an additional source of exposure to mite and cat allergens. On the other hand, special textiles can be used to prevent dust mite sensitization.

Exposure to synthetic fibers with employment in textile mills can be associated with an elevated risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD). A mechanism of injury has not been determined. ILD can follow exposures to inorganic fibers (e.g., asbestos) which are associated with a mobilization of iron and catalysis of an oxidative stress. We describe 2 patients with ILD associated with exposure to synthetic textile fibers who demonstrated carbon-based ferruginous bodies suggesting an in vivo accumulation of iron by synthetic fibers after deposition in the lung. These iron-laden bodies varied from perfectly linear fibers to almost particulate matter. Linear structures were irregularly interrupted by deposition of iron-abundant material. The capacity of these synthetic fibers to complex iron and generate an oxidative stress is confirmed in vitro.

This article overviews research in the interdisciplinary area of textile/skin interaction and related cutaneous intolerance. Microclimate in the skin/clothing system and especially the skin responses relates to the moisture and heat transfer within this system and plays a critical role in skin irritation from textiles. A discussion is then given on skin irritation reactions to textiles, including intolerance caused by chemicals (dyes and finishes) and physical contact/friction. Finally, two skin injuries, blisters and pressure ulcers, which are caused by physical contact, pressure, and friction, are documented. Despite the prevalent problems caused by ill textile/skin interactions, minimal efforts have been devoted to this field. In addition, the in vivo experimental studies infrequently lead to a solid conclusion. The cause may lie in the dramatic variation of skin conditions among individuals as well as among different anatomic sites of the same person. Another reason might be the lack of communications between researchers in the areas of textiles and dermatology.

Chemicals in household products have been paid much attention as main cause of health damage on consumers, such as allergic contact dermatitis. Preventive measures against health damage due to chemicals in fabric, plastic and rubber products for household uses, are reviewed, focusing on (1) regulation and voluntary control by manufacturers, (2) incidence of health damage from household products, (3) causative product-chemical investigation, (4) case studies on skin damage and respiratory tract damage.

Objectives: To investigate occupational risks of lung adenocarcinoma in Uruguay and to confirm a previously reported increased risk among butchers., Methods: We conducted a case-control study among men in four major hospitals in Montevideo, based on interviews to 338 cases of lung adenocarcinoma and 1014 hospital-based controls. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) of lung adenocarcinoma for employment in 22 jobs, after adjustment for tobacco smoking and other potential confounders., Results: The OR was increased for employment as farmer, tractor driver, painter and medical worker, but no trend was suggested for duration of employment. Long-term employment as mason, glass worker or textile worker resulted in an increased OR. The OR for employment as butcher was 1.2 (95% confidence interval 0.7-2.1). The OR increased with increasing duration of self-reported exposure to formaldehyde., Conclusions: Occupational exposures seem to play a limited role in causing lung adenocarcinoma among men in Uruguay. Employment as butcher was not confirmed as an important risk factor.

Objective: We collected information on lifetime occupational histories, smoking, and alcohol consumption from 15,463 incident cancer cases. Occupational risk factors for bladder cancer are presented in this report., Method: A matched case-control design was used. All cases were diagnosed with bladder cancers, with controls being internal controls consisting of all other cancer sites, excluding lung and unknown primary. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression for matched sets data and the likelihood ratio test., Results: Excess bladder cancer risks was observed in a number of occupation and industries, particularly those involving exposure to metals, including aluminum, paint and solvents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, diesel engine emissions, and textiles., Conclusions: The results of our study are in line with those from the literature and further suggest that exposure to silica and to electromagnetic fields may carry an increased risk of bladder cancer.

Objective: To find associations between testicular cancer, occupation and chemical exposure., Methods: A cohort of all economically active Finnish men born between 1906 and 1945 was followed-up for 19.7 million person-years during 1971-1995. Incident cases of testicular cancer (n=387) were identified in a record linkage with the Finnish Cancer Registry. The Census occupations in 1970 were converted to chemical exposures with a job-exposure matrix (FINJEM). Cumulative exposure (CE) was calculated as the product of prevalence, level, and duration of the exposure. Standardised incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated for each of the 393 occupations, and for CE categories of the 43 chemical agents, using average male population as reference. Relative risks (RR) comparing various CE-categories with unexposed ones were defined for selected agents by Poisson regression analysis., Results: Elevated SIRs were observed among railway traffic supervisors (5.8, 95% CI 1.6-14.7), programmers (4.3, 1.4-9.9), university teachers (4.1, 1.3-9.5) and electrical engineers (3.9, 1.1-10.1). A significant exposure-response trend (mainly contributed by seminoma) was observed for pesticides, textile dust, aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, and some other organic solvents., Conclusions: Risk of testicular cancer increased only in four occupations. Pesticides, textile dust, and some organic solvents may be related to an excess risk of seminoma.

Textile dye allergy is frequently caused by azo dyes, which can cross-react with structurally similar compounds, including paraphenylenediamine. A case of allergic contact dermatitis to azo textile dyes, presenting principally as a sock dermatitis, is presented. The patient also gave a history of an episode of scalp dermatitis consistent with contact allergy to paraphenylenediamine in hair dye. It is proposed that paraphenylenediamine sensitization from a temporary skin tattoo may have been the primary sensitizing event for these reactions.

Background: The exact incidence of textile dermatitis is unknown because of the lack of controlled epidemiological studies. Nevertheless, the increasing frequency of contact dermatitis to clothing has been demonstrated, thus indicating the importance of further investigations in this field., Objective: To analyse the results from a 4-year prospective study of the clinical and aetiological features of contact dermatitis to textiles in Israel. We also aimed to assess the frequency and relevance of sensitization to textile dyes and resins in these patients., Methods: Six hundred and forty-four patients (441 female and 203 male), referred for the investigation of contact dermatitis, and suspected of having textile allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), were studied. All patients were patch tested with the standard series (TRUE Tests), textile colour and finish series (TCFS) clothing extracts and pieces of garment in some cases. Readings were performed on days 2, 3 and in many patients also on day 7., Results: Eighty-three patients (12.9%) had an allergic reactions to a dye and/or resin allergen. Of them, 43 (51.8%) had positive patch tests to the textile dye allergens, 28 (33.7%) to the formaldehyde and textile finish resins and 12 (14.4%) to allergens from both groups. The highest incidence of sensitization from the dye group allergens was due to Disperse Blue (DB) 124 (30.6%), DB 106 (27.0%) and DB 85 (8.1%) and from the resin group to melamine formaldehyde and ethyleneurea melamine formaldehyde (20.7% each) and urea formaldehyde (18.3%). Present relevance of the patch tests was found in 81.4% of the cases. Concomitant sensitization with allergens from the standard series included nickel sulphate, potassium dichromate, formaldehyde, rubber additives and others. Although chronic dermatitis was the typical clinical presentation, less frequent forms such as purpuric, hyperpigmented and papulopustular lesions and atypical forms such as erythema multiforme-like, nummular-like lesions, lichenification and erythrodermia were observed in 24.4% of the cases. The atypical manifestations were provoked by sensitization to dye allergens and never to resins. Along with the typical distribution in areas of friction on the trunk and extremities, less frequent areas including the hands, face, genital area and the soles were affected too., Conclusions: In view of the increasing frequency of contact dermatitis to clothing, the clinical assessment should include awareness of the classical as well as the unusual and atypical clinical forms and locations of ACD to textiles, for they are not infrequent. Although dyes and among them DB 106 and DB 124 are the most frequent allergens inducing textile dermatitis, concomitant testing with allergens from the textile dyes and resin groups is recommended when investigating patients with textile dermatitis., (Copyright 2004 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Unlabelled: The tourniquet syndrome describes severe strangulations of appendages by hair, cotton or similar material mainly observed in young infants. The painful swellings of digits or external genitals are surgical emergencies because the strangulation can cause ischaemia and tissue necrosis. More than 100 cases of the tourniquet syndrome have been reported in most of which the aetiology was unclear. We have treated five patients with a tourniquet syndrome. Four of them presented with strangulations of one or more toes by hair or threads and one girl was diagnosed with a clitoral tourniquet syndrome. In each case the strangulating material could be removed in time avoiding permanent damage. The lack of any reasonable explanation and the meticulous wrapping made a non-accidental course very likely. Due to the lack of convincing explanations in our cases as well as in most of those described in the literature, we suggest that the tourniquet syndrome is often the result of child abuse, an aetiology overlooked for decades., Conclusion: the tourniquet syndrome in childhood should be included in the list of possible forms of child abuse and should be considered as a differential diagnosis until another aetiology can be convincingly proven., (Copyright 2004 Springer-Verlag)

Background: Pulmonary function tests may reveal obstructive lung disease with altered forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in cotton textile workers. Since 1930, many cohort studies have been performed to assess the disease mortality rate in cotton textile workers., Materials and Methods: The authors performed a meta-analysis of the SMR results of these studies., Results: From the meta-analysis, the SMRs were as follows: for all deaths, 0.792 in males and 0.873 in females; for cancers, 0.705 in males and 0.829 in females., Discussion: The male cotton textile workers were healthier than the general population. The healthy-worker effect may be one of the causes, in general workers in industry have a better mortality patterns than those not working.

Atopic eczema forms together with extrinsic bronchial asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis the classical atopic triad. Genetic predisposition is the crucial pathogenetic factor. The combination of genetic disposition and provocation factors leads to the clinical appearance of skin disease. In addition to therapy adjusted to the stage of the disease, modern management should include a search for relevant trigger factors and then their avoidance to reduce or even prevent flares of the disease. The spectrum of provocation factors ranges from simple measures such as appropriate clothing up to specific measures such as indoor aeroallergen reduction measures.

Introduction: The "toe tourniquet syndrome" is the circumferential strangulation by human hair or fibers of one or more toes in infants, which may induce prolonged ischemic injury and tissue necrosis. Release of the strangulation is mandatory to avoid autoamputation of the digit. We recently encountered several incompletely treated cases and would like to emphasize the effective method of treatment., Methods: A retrospective analysis of pediatric emergency department records of patients treated for "toe tourniquet syndrome" during 1990 to 2001 was performed. Patients undergo a short, longitudinal, deep incision over the area of strangulation on the dorsal aspect of the toe, until the phalanx bone, which allows the complete section of the constricting fibers to be removed without injury to the anatomical structures of the toe., Results: Twenty-one infants (12 boys and nine girls), aged 0-11 months (average 4.6 months), were treated for tourniquet syndrome of one (15 infants) or two (six patients) toes. In 12 patients (57.1%) the right foot was involved. Eight patients (38.1%) had undergone an attempt in the previous few days to release constriction. No complications were encountered., Conclusion: The above-described technique is simple and safe and secures the complete release of the strangulation by removal of all hairs or fibers without injury to the anatomical structures of the toe.

Although the exact incidence of textile contact dermatitis is unknown, recent studies demonstrate that contact dermatitis produced by allergic or irritant reactions to clothing not only is more frequent than previously thought but also increasing. The clinical features of contact dermatitis (CD) caused by clothing may resemble common allergic contact dermatitis or may have atypical presentations. We report on several cases of clothing-induced contact dermatitis with atypical clinical presentations.