Occupational allergic contact dermatitis to gloves, follow-up of investigated patients

• Background: In the Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology there has been an increase in the inflow of patients, working as surgical nurses or surgeons. They have been referred due to presumed occupational contact dermatitis. Results from investigated patients have in part been presented previously, where the investigation has shownmultiple contact allergies caused by their occupational use of gloves. Allergens such as diphenylguanidine were found in the gloves and contact allergies to their rubber gloves were found. Many of the patients have been working for decades in their present occupation, but the hand dermatitis had often been present for less than a year. Objectives: To present a follow-up of patientswith hand dermatitis due to gloves. Methods: A follow-up of the patients and a structure for the investigation of the individual patient are given. Results: The cases will be presented with their contact allergies, howtheinvestigation isperformedandtheoutcomeof theprevention by avoiding gloves containing the allergens diagnosed in the individual patients. Conclusions: For health care personnel hand hygiene and the wearing of protective gloves are mandatory. Our findings indicate that the increased need to use rubber gloves and at the same time the exclusion of latex gloves give rise to new contact allergies which are clinically relevant. In the investigation, and the advice given to the patients, several factors have to be taken into consideration, including the fast change of glove material. The cases indicate the importance of close cooperation between chemists and dermatologists and the possibility to perform chemical analysis. Furthermore, and just as important for this patient group, is that with correct diagnosis and advice the contact dermatitis can actually heal completely and the patients continue in their work.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Lungmedicin och allergi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Dermatologi och venereologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dermatology and Venereal Diseases (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Gloves

Occupational dermatosis

rubber

allergen

latex

glove

skin allergy

patient

follow up

contact dermatitis

human

society

occupational eczema

contact allergy

dermatitis

dermatology

occupation

health care personnel

chemical analysis

dermatologist

surgeon

protective clothing

diagnosis

hand washing

nurse

Publication and Content Type

kon (subject category)

vet (subject category)