bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FC01.1 Occupational contact dermatitis from methylisothiazolinone
Authors: Isaksson Marléne , Gruvberger B , Bruze M 
Published: August 2010

Background:  The preservative methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) has been used extensively in various products since the 1980s. Recently, a biocide containing only MI and not MCI has been launched on the Swedish market for use in industrial settings, paints and glues.Objectives:  To describe sensitization to the unchlorinated isothiazolinone 2‐methyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one (MI) in 2 workers, a technician after a chemical burn and a painter, both exposed to a preservative containing MI. Methods: Patch testing with serial dilutions of MCI/MI, MCI, MI, 2‐n‐octyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one (OIT) and a commercial preservative containing MI in the 2 workers.Results:  The patients reacted positively to MCI/MI and to the separate active ingredients (MCI, MI). The patch test reactivity to MI was higher than the reactivity to MCI, which is a reversed pattern to what is usually seen in patients sensitized to MCI/MI. Both patients also had positive test reactions to OIT.Conclusion:  MI may sensitize on it’s own, and in patients allergic to MI, cross‐reactions are also seen to MCI.
FC01.3 The Finnish Machinist Study – new results
Authors: Suuronen Katri Maria , Makela EA , Alanko K , Susitaival P , Luukkonen R , Tuomi T , Jolanki R 
Published: August 2010

Objective:  The aim of the study was to get information on the chemical exposure and the prevalence of skin and respiratory symptoms among Finnish machinists.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out on a population of 961 Finnish machinists. Skin and respiratory symptoms, atopy, exposure at work, etc. were inquired by a telephone interview. Working conditions were assessed and the data were combined with the data from the interview. Technical office personnel in the same companies were used as a control group.Results:  A third of the interviewees reported prolonged rhinitis. A fifth had continuous or relapsing hand or forearm dermatitis, cough, phlegm production or eye symptoms. Wheezing, dyspnea, laryngeal symptoms, or relapsing low fever were reported by 8–2%. 5% reported having asthma. In total, 35% of the machinists considered the skin or respiratory symptoms as work‐related.Conclusion:  This study shows that work‐related skin and respiratory symptoms are common among machinists in Finland. Those reporting symptoms have been examined in more detail at FIOH. New results of the statistical analysis and medical investigations will be presented.
FS07.1 A survey of occupational hand eczema in Denmark
Authors: Skoet Rikke , Mathiesen B , Johansen J Duus , Olsen J , Agner T 
Published: August 2010

Background:  The need for prevention to reduce the number of occupational hand eczema is high. Occupational hand eczema is the most frequently recognised work‐related disease in Denmark. Previous findings have shown that almost half of all cases develop a chronic condition with persistent dermatitis, and the annual cost to society is immense.Aims:  The aim of this study was to survey the trends and development of occupational hand eczema in Denmark and thereby help to ensure future successful prevention of chronic disabling occupational hand eczema.Methods:  758 patients with recognised occupational hand eczema were included prospectively in the period October 2001‐ November 2002. Data on diagnoses, disease duration, severity, absence from work and occupation was obtained from The Danish National Board of Industrial Injuries and an additional questionnaire was administered by mail.Results:  621 patients answered the questionnaire (response rate 82%). Irritant contact dermatitis was the most frequent diagnosis and the female/male ratio was 2:1. High prevalence was found in particularly wet occupations. 19 per cent had sick leave more than 5 weeks per year and the mean disease duration was 4.8 years (median 2.1 years). 68.2% had chronic changes.Conclusion:  The results showed a marked gender difference in the pattern of diagnosis and occupation. The impact of occupational hand eczema is still high with prolonged absence from work and a high percentage of chronic disease. The results of the study give important suggestions for future preventive strategies for health authorities.
FS08.3 Health‐related quality of life and hand eczema
Authors: Meding Birgitta , Wallenhammar L‐M , Lindberg M , Nyfjäll M 
Published: August 2010

Aims:  The aims were to study health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with hand eczema, and to compare two different instruments for assessment of HRQL.Methods:  100 consecutive hand eczema patients (51 females and 49 males) at an occupational dermatology clinic completed the generic questionnaire Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), and the dermatology specific Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). To compare the instruments factor analysis, with a polychoric correlation matrix as input, was performed, thus taking the ordinal aspect of the data into account.Results:  HRQL was affected by hand eczema, measured with both SF‐36 and DLQI. The mean (SD) sum scores of DLQI was 7.4 (5.8), no difference between genders. However, the SF‐36 showed more impaired HRQL for females than for males in the mental health dimension. There was a high correlation between the instruments for physical health, but lower for mental health.Conclusions:  Hand eczema has an impact on HRQL, and both SF‐36 and DLQI are suitable instruments. Our conclusion from the factor analysis is that the SF‐36 measures mental health better than the DLQI. The choice of instrument to be used in a specific study depends on the purpose of the study. A generic instrument has the advantage of making comparisons with other diseases possible. The SF‐36 also appears suitable for use in hand eczema studies where gender differences in HRQL are of interest.
FS10.5 Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from isothiazolines
Authors: Rustemeyer Thomas , Bruynzeel D 
Published: August 2010

Several employees of a construction adhesives‐producing plant developed skin problems. Within few weeks, 4 out of 12 workers got itchy eczematous lesions at the face, lower arms and hands. All of them reported on a work‐relationship with recoveries during holidays and sick‐leaves. This prompted the responsible occupational physician to contact our occupational dermatological clinic for further examination. First, we got an overview of the chemicals and pathways used for the production of the highly specialized plastic products. After working place examination, extended medical histories of the employees were taken. All affected workers were patch tested with the European Standard series, epoxy resins, preservatives and own working materials. After an occlusion time of 48 hours, skin tests were read at day 2 and 4 according to the ICDRG guidelines. Examination of the plant revealed that all affected workers were employed at the blending unit where, in particular dusty, ingredients were mixed. Few months prior to the development of skin problems, 2‐n‐octyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one (OIT) preservative had been introduced in the production pathway in partial exchange for chloro/methylisothiazolin‐3‐one (CIT/MIT). Personal protection measures were rarely provided.All 4 tested workers were found patch test positive to CIT/MIT, 3/3 positive to OIT and 1/3 positive to 1,2‐benzisothiazoloin‐3‐one (BIT) and methyldibromoglutaronitril. Industrial usage of preservatives can result in frequent sensitisation of exposed employees. Adequate protection and prevention advices are required. This study highlights the need for extended (occupational) medical histories and working place examination to identify individual risk factors and to trace potential hazards at the working place.
FS10.8 Prevention of occupational contact dermatitis
Authors: Diepgen Thomas L 
Published: August 2010

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) take the first rank of all occupational diseases in many countries. The incidence rate is believed to be around 0.5 to 1.9 cases per 1000 full‐time workers per year. However, the true incidence of work‐related hand eczema (mostly irritant hand eczema) is highly underreported. The development of OCD is determined by a combination of individual susceptibility (endogenous factors) and exposure characteristics (exogenous factors). Skin contact with irritants and/or allergens is a necessary condition of contact dermatitis and the probability and severity of a reaction depend on the type and intensity of exposure. Epidemiological studies play an important role in observing disease trends, analysing risk factors, and monitoring the effect of preventive measures. Occupational Contact Dermatitis (OCD) has become an issue of increasing importance world‐wide, not only due to cost‐ intensification for employers but also due to impairment of employees’ quality of life. This lecture summarizes some important causes of occupational contact dermatitis in Europe, demonstrates possibilities of prevention based on recently conducted epidemiological studies, and ends by highlighting important future health service and population research issues. The following questions will be discussed: • How common are OCD in different industries and what is the extent of underestimation • What kind of regulations are needed to prevent OCD • How to deal with high risk individuals (atopics)Research into the causes and prevention of occupational contact dermatitis using an epidemiological approach is still in its infancy, yet already there are some pointers that OCD can be prevented effectively.
FS12.6 Sensitizing capacity and cross‐reactivity of phenyl glycidyl ether
Authors: Pontén Ann , Zimerson E , Bruze M 
Published: August 2010

Phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE) is an aromatic reactive diluent used in epoxy resin systems. The sensitizing capacity of PGE, as well as the cross‐reactivity between PGE and the most important contact allergens in epoxy resins based on bisphenol A and bisphenol F, i.e. diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and the 3 isomers of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (p,p′‐DGEBF, o,p′‐DGEBF, and o,o′‐DGEBF), were investigated in a guinea pig maximization test (GPMT). Statistical significance was calculated with one‐sided Fisher’s exact test. PGE was found to be a strong sensitizer (24/24 sensitized animals, p < 0.001). Induction with DGEBA resulted in a statistically significant number of animals reacting to PGE (p = 0.006), but when induced with PGE, the animals did not react significantly to DGEBA. When induced with PGE, significant numbers of animals reacted to p,p′‐DGEBF (13/24 animals, p = 0.0011) and o,p′‐DGEBF (11/24 animals, p = 0.004). Induction with p,p′‐DGEBF and o,p′‐DGEBF resulted in a high number of reacting animals when tested with PGE (23/24 animals, p < 0.001 for both isomers). No statistically significant cross‐reactivity between PGE and o,o′‐DGEBF was found.
Conclusion:
According to our results in the GPMT, sensitization to DGEBA, which is the main constituent in the most common epoxy resin, may result in contact allergy to PGE, whereas sensitization to PGE seldom causes contact allergy to DGEBA. Sensitization to PGE may cause contact allergy to epoxy resins based on bisphenol F.
FC03.5 Characteristics of wet work in nurses
Authors: Jungbauer Frank , Steenstra F , Coenraads PJ 
Published: August 2010

Background/objectives:  The health care sector is known for its high prevalence of hand dermatitis, mainly because of the high exposure to wet work in nursing activities. Wet work can be activities with wet skin and activities with glove use (skin occlusion). A prevention program to reduce wet work exposure should be based on knowledge about activities that are components of wet work. We observed the frequency and duration of skin exposures to irritants with nursing activities.Method:  Duration and frequency wet work activities were assessed in parts of the health care sector: 53 randomly chosen nurses were observed during their morning shift. Hand skin exposure to water, soap/detergents and occlusion by using gloves were recorded during 112 different 8‐hour morning shifts.Results:  In nursing wet work activities make up 9%(dialysis ward), 16%(regular ward) and 24%(I.C.‐unit) of the duration of one shift. On a regular ward duration of wet work is mainly divided into 34% patient washing, 31% glove use and 26% hand washing. These main wet work activities have a short exposure cycle of 1.4–3.6 minutes. Hand washing, excluding the use of hand alcohol, and patient washing (without gloves) form both one third of the frequency of wet work activities.Conclusions:  Wet work activities take up a substantial portion of nursing activities and are characterised by frequent short‐term exposures. Effective prevention programs on reducing the risk of hand dermatitis in nursing should primarily focus on the high frequencies of hand washing and patient washing. Using gloves in the procedure of patient washing will reduce the frequency of exposure to water and soap with 24%, at the expense of increasing exposure to occlusion by these gloves.
FC04.5 Influence of ambient meteorological conditions (temperature and absolute humidity) on a routine NaOH‐irritation test in occupational dermatology
Authors: John Swen Malte , Schwanitz Hans‐Joachim , Uter Wolfgang 
Published: August 2010

Dry air and cold weather have been shown to influence skin irritability. We have recently proposed a routine irritant patch test to assess skin irritability in a standardised fashion in occupational dermatology. The effects of local meteorological parameters on this test were studied.In 556 consecutive persons (276 female [median age: 36], 280 male [median age: 42]) with former occupational skin disease, who were seen for medico‐legal evaluation from Feb. 2000 to Aug. 2003, a swift modified alkaline resistance test (SMART) was conducted simultaneously in the volar forearm and the dorsum of the hand. The test comprises a 0.5 M NaOH‐challenge for 2 × 10 minutes with intermediate TEWL‐measurements and a clinical assessment with an NaCl 0.9% control site. TEWL was measured according to current guidelines. The outcome of each patient was related to standardised data on the local temperature [T] and absolute humidity [aH] on the day of examination, obtained by the German Meteorological Service.There was no relevant correlation between ‘basal TEWL’ or ‘TEWL after NaOH’ and ‘aH’ or ‘T’, respectively. There was no association between meteorological conditions and demographic characteristics potentially relevant for susceptibility to irritants and, hence, no indication of confounding. In a logistic regression model increasing ‘aH’(OR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87–0.96 per 1 mg/l humidity) and ‘T’(OR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.81–0.97 per ° C) were associated with a decreasing likelihood of a clinically positive reaction to irritation.Although there are only slight seasonal effects detectable, they should be taken into consideration when interpreting the test.
FS13.3 Development of risk reduction strategies for preventing dermatitis
Authors: Brown Terry , Rushton L , Williams W , English J 
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  A recent survey of the UK printing industry found a prevalence of 11% of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD), much higher than previously identified.Objective:  This pilot study aimed to evaluate risk reduction strategies derived from recommendations of a literature review of preventive intervention studies and a series of focus groups of printers and observations of printers undertaking their normal duties.Methods:  Four interventions were evaluated: (1) Provision of gloves of the correct size/type, plus use of an after‐work skin cream; (2) Provision of information; (3) Provision of skin checks; (4) Development of best practice skin care policy. Each intervention was evaluated in two companies over a three‐month period, at the end of which printers and managers were interviewed as to the effectiveness and acceptability of each intervention.Results:  Although this pilot study was short, all interventions were acceptable to some extent. The prevalence of frank dermatitis fell over the study period, particularly in intervention (3). Intervention (1) achieved an improvement of awareness in both management and workforce and an increase in the use of both gloves and cream. Intervention (2) highlighted problems of dissemination and the need for relevant information in an appropriate format. However. no single intervention was completely effective.Conclusions:  This qualitative research approach forms an essential first stage to improving understanding of ways in which OCD may be reduced among workers in the printing industry, and points towards the need for further testing of preventive strategies in larger‐scale intervention trials, in printing and other industries.
FS13.5 Occupational contact dermatitis: printer worker’s viewpoints
Authors: Brown Terry , Rushton L , Williams H , English J 
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is very common in the printing industry due to contact with chemicals, paper, and wet work. It can be avoided by adequate protective measures, but the effectiveness of intervention depends heavily on the employer’s and employee’s awareness of this health risk.Objectives:  The study aimed to collect information on the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of print workers about the risk of OCD and methods of prevention.Methods:  A series of focus groups were held with print workers, health and safety officers and managers to discuss their awareness of dermal risk factors, risk behaviour at work, attitudes to health and safety and options on possible preventive measures. A number of companies were also visited to observe, overtly and covertly, the normal work practices.Results:  OCD was not perceived to be either a major problem or a health and safety priority. There was general agreement about the processes and work practices that could cause skin problems. However, work practices varied considerably and did not always reflect this awareness. There was general concern about the type and availability of personal protective equipment, especially gloves and after‐work skin cream. The provision of an occupational health service was generally felt to be inadequate, and no company had a policy in place that specifically addressed skin care.Conclusions:  These findings highlight the urgency to intensify health and safety education on skin care within the printing industry. Recommendations were developed for the evaluation of a series of risk reduction strategies.
P26 An epidemiological study of the relevance of the allergens of the standard series of the Spanish Group for the study of contact dermatitis (Grupo Español para la Investigación de la Dermatitis de Contacto, GEIDC)(2001)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Serna Mercedes , Silvestre JF , De la Cuadra J , Garcia‐Bravo B 
Published: August 2010

An epidemiological study is made to evaluate the present or past relevance of positivity to the allergens pertaining to the GEIDC standard series. A retrospective study was made of patients evaluated with patch tests corresponding to the GEIDC standard series by 14 GEIDC dermatologists in the course of 2001. The following parameters were evaluated: age, sex, positive allergens, and present, past and total relevance. A total of 3343 patients were studied, of which 1892 had at least one positive test (56.59%). The most relevant allergens were mercaptobenzothiazole (93,93%), thiuram mix (93%) and nickel sulfate (92.33%). In women, paraphenylenediamine was moreover also very relevant, while in males epoxy resin, butylphenol formaldehyde resin and colophony were particularly relevant. Among the less relevant allergens in both sexes, we found the following in relation to the total: quinolein (44.44%), lactones (45.45%) and caine mix (48.07%). In 1783 patients with at least one positive test, an evaluation was made of whether allergen relevance was past or present. In 60.78% of the positive tests present relevance was established. The allergens of greatest present relevance were ethylenediamine (100%), budesonide (100%), euxyl K 400 (96.96%), epoxy resin (93.33%), and Quaternium 15 (92.85%). The allergens of least present relevance were nickel sulfate (36.38%), caine mix (40%), and neomycin (41.37%).Determination of the relevance of positive patch test is fundamental in all cases. In our study nickel and rubbers were the most relevant allergens, though nickel was essentially of past relevance. Few studies have addressed the present or past relevance of the standard allergen series.
P32 Dexamethasone inhibits dendritic cell activation by skin sensitizers
Authors: Gonçalo Margarida , Vital AL , Cruz MT , Figueiredo A , Lopes MC 
Published: August 2010

Objective:  Evaluate activity of a corticosteroid on dendritic cell (DC) activation induced by skin sensitizers.Methods:  Using a fetal mouse skin derived dendritic cell line (FSDC) stimulated by Nickel sulphate (50–100 ìg/ml) and DNFB (1–2.5 ìg/ml), we studied the effect of dexamethasone (DEX)(0.01–1 ìM) on nitric oxide (NO) production (by the Griess reaction), on nitric oxide synthase type II expression (iNOS)(by immunocytochemistry and western blot) and on the activation of the nuclear factor‐kappaB pathway (NF‐êB)(by electrophoretic mobility shift assay – EMSA), pathways that we have previously shown to be activated by these sensitizers.Results:  NO production induced by Ni was significantly inhibited by DEX in a dose dependent way. Future studies using 0.5 ìM of DEX, showed a significant reduction of iNOS expression at 24 h induced by both sensitizers. This effect occurred in parallel with the inhibition of NF‐êB activation, which was most evident at 45 min.Conclusions:  These results suggest that dexamethasone inhibits intracellular events that are relevant for DC activation induced by skin sensitizers during antigen presentation. Therefore, besides the anti‐inflammatory activity of DEX usually used for the treatment of ACD, this drug can also interfere with the initial steps of skin sensitization. This work was supported by FCT (Portugal).
P33 Patch testing an extended standard series
Authors: Hervella Marcos , Yanguas JI , Iglesias ME , Larrea M , Cascante L , Gállego M 
Published: August 2010

Objective:  To examine the usefulness of the standard allergen series as a sole tool in the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis and consider the diagnostic benefits yielded by the routine use of an extended standard series in general dermatology practice.Methods:  From January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2003, one hundred patients attended in a general dermatology unit were recruited for patch testing. Every patient underwent testing with the standard tray recommended by the Spanish Contact Dermatitis Research Group, and simultaneously, with a supplementary series of 35 allergens. Other specific series were performed in some cases, but their results have been omitted in this study. Patients with positive allergic reactions were divided into two groups based on the clinical relevance of their reactions. These groups were subsequently stratified in four subgroups: (1) reactions only to allergens in the standard series; (2) reactions only to additional allergens; (3) reactions to both standard and additional allergens; and (4) reactions to own substances or allergens in other series.Results:  Of patients tested, 62 had at least 1 positive allergic reaction, and among these, 44 had reactions deemed clinically relevant. Of all the patients with relevant positive tests, 70.5%(31/44) reacted only to allergens in the standard tray; 11.4%(5/44) reacted to supplementary allergens exclusively; 4.5%(2/44) reacted to both standard and supplementary allergens. Finally, 6 more patients (13.6%) reacted to other sensitizers.Conclusion:  In our study, 15.9% relevant allergies would have been missed by the standard series alone. Patch testing an extended standard series increased our diagnostic capability, and might be a useful screening tool in those dermatology offices where other series are lacking.