Background:
Skin disease is a significant work-related problem. The objectives of the study were to compare the demographic characteristics, disease distribution, and patch test results between persons with occupational contact dermatitis and those with nonoccupational contact dermatitis and also between those with occupational allergic and occupational irritant contact dermatitis.
Methods:
A retrospective review of patients patch tested in an occupational health clinic was performed.
Results:
Those with occupationally related disease were younger in age, were less likely to have an atopic history, and were more likely to be male, have an eruption on their hands or arms, have their eruption for a shorter time, and have positive patch test responses to metals, rubber components, p-phenylenediamine, epoxy, and rosin. Those with occupational allergic contact dermatitis were more likely to be female, have an atopic history, and have a distribution more commonly on their arms, face, and eyelids than those with occupational irritant contact dermatitis.
Conclusions:
There are a number of differences noted on comparison between those with occupational contact dermatitis and those with nonoccupational disease. Such features should suggest the possibility of a work-related problem to the clinician.
